Intro:

The first real 'crunch' game at Euro 2012 takes place on Tuesday with Poland taking on Russia in Group A - defeat for the co-hosts could mean they drop out of the tournament early, and a win for Russia would book them a place in the knockout phase.

Script:

The second round of group matches at Euro 2012 get underway on Tuesday the 12th of June, with Greece versus the Czech Republic and co-hosts Poland against Russia.

It's the latter match which is grabbing all the attention though, with Poland facing potential elimination if they lose and Russia booking themselves a place in the last eight should they win.

SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Kolmus, 30, Poland fan from Warsaw:

"Of course, there is a part of history between Poland and Russia, however I hope that (they) love the football and the atmosphere will be much better. Of course, it will have a lot (to do) with (the) result of the match, however I believe it will be quite safe here and we will win."

The Polish press are trying to evoke the spirit of Polish troops during the 1920 Battle of Warsaw, when Polish forces defeated the Russian Soviet.

SOUNDBITE (English) Stanislav Pavnyk, 23, Russia fan from Nizhny Novgorod:

"I think it is more like politics, and it is more like only newspapers. I think a lot of people in Poland and Russia are like friends, and they don't have something to fight for, it is just history."

Russia's coach and players say they are focused solely on matters on the football field.