 Warsaw: Alan Dzagoev has intimated that Czech Republic`s fans made for a tough match, even though Russia eventually went on to record a 4-1 victory in their opening match of Euro 2012.
The 21-year-old played a crucial part in Friday`s victory by opening the scoring early on and sealing the win for Dick Advocaat`s troops with only 10 minutes remaining.
Despite playing in Wroclaw, a large number of fans travelled from neighbouring Czech Republic to watch the game, a scenario which the attacker acknowledged.
"It`s always difficult to play against teams that are playing at home," Dzagoev told reporters. "Their fans push them on to score and win [the game]."
Meanwhile, fellow Russia team-mate Yuri Zhirkov added: "The Czech team played respectably but we scored more and won.
"There was a worry [at 2-1] but we overcame it. Thanks to Dzagoev, who scored the third goal. It got easier."
Next up for Russia in Group A are co-hosts Poland on Tuesday.
Goal.com
First Published: Saturday, June 9, 2012, 10:21
|