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Euro 2012 day one replay: Russia inspired by Andrey Arshavin

Last updated on .From the section Euro 2012comments48

Russia's attacking display against Czech Republic must have left Arsenal supporters wondering what has happened to Andrey Arshavin.

The 31-year-old has been on loan at Zenit St Petersburg this season but was one part of a quicksilver quartet which lit up the first day of Euro 2012 with some fine counter attacking goals in a 4-1 victory.

Perhaps the Czech team did not offer much resistance, but two strikes by CSKA Moscow's Alan Dzagoev, with another late goal from former Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko capped a performance which was reminiscent of the team's run to the semi-finals in Euro 2008.

Here are the views of two of BBC Sport's pundits on Arshavin's impact and Russia's attacking strength...

Pat Nevin on Radio 5 live

Pat Nevin

"Arshavin was outstanding. I actually thought it was too easy for him at times. He was so good he was thinking far ahead of his opponents. He was creating chances when he fancied it.

"It just shows you the immense knowledge and ability he's got. When he's playing with players that understand him and he is at the core of it, he is just spectacular.

"For the second European Championship in a row I'm a fan of Russia. There was a real arrogance about them going forward.

"The little dink over Petr Cech by Roman Shirokov was superb. Aleksandr Kerzhakov's shooting was poor but he held the ball up and was central to everything.

"He was willing to drag players out of position to make sure that space develops for Dzagoev and Arshavin to run into. It's all about match intelligence and we don't see that very often."

Robbie Savage on Match of the Day

Robbie Savage

"I thought Andrey Arshavin was immense. He was positive every time the ball came to him.

"When he plays for Russia he drives forward, is on the front foot and he leads as their captain.

"It appears he likes being part of a successful team - Zenit [where he plays on loan from Arsenal] won the league."

Russia's attacks were predominantly down the wings

Russia's display in numbers

  • Andrey Arshavin set up two of Russia's four goals
  • Alan Dzagoev had three shots and scored two goals
  • He made 47 passes at a pass completion rate of 76% with Roman Shirokov, scorer of the second goal, the most frequent recipient
  • Dzagoev is the second-youngest player to score twice in a game at the European Championship behind Wayne Rooney
  • Aleksandr Kerzhakov took seven shots but did not find the target once
  • Many of Russia's attacks were focused down the flanks. In the first half only three of 29 were down the middle
  • After 90 minutes, 53 of 64 final-third entries were down the wings, showing how influential Arshavin and Dzagoev were

What they said about Arshavin:

"Is this the same Arshavin that I've been watching play for Arsenal?" - Gary Lineker on Twitterexternal-link

"Two good games to start the Euros today. Not seen Arshavin play like that for a while! I'm still siding with Spain or Holland to win it." Michael Owen on Twitterexternal-link

"Andrey worked very hard and he played very well. He is a very important player for us for the way we play." - Russia boss Dick Advocaat

"He showed how dangerous he can be. He doesn't waste time with defending and uses all his strength for the attack." - Arsenal team-mate and Czech captain Tomas Rosicky

Give your views on Arshavin's and Russia's performance on Twitter at #bbcfootball

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48 comments

  • Comment posted by grey shoes, at 08:12 9 Jun 2012

    am i dreaming? a bbc article about the Euros which mentions the sporting action rather than implying the host nations are backward racists.

    How is racism reported to be such an issue at this tournament and yet never mentioned when South Africa (whose ruling party sing 'kill the boer') hosted the world cup?

    All countries have racists, including non-white ones.

  • Comment posted by Lushy13, at 02:30 9 Jun 2012

    It would be nice to read something that Robbie Savage hasn't commented on these days.

  • Comment posted by User0829150407, at 08:14 9 Jun 2012

    I stand by my suggestion that England cannot expect to go far by scoring a only goal a game - certainly against free flowing football coming from many European teams. Whilst the Czechs seemed average, they were just outplayed by Russia. I hope England prove me wrong.... but I doubt it.

  • Comment posted by Arshad, at 10:30 9 Jun 2012

    Im signing in to say I have never been as underwhelmed by BBC's football coverage at a major tournament. For the first time your rivals might have the better package. The fact that you are based in Salford really doesn't help and Alan Shearer as an interviewer is also a bad move. Get proper pundits and a decent studio.

    Also have some full length blogs so we can comment properly.

  • Comment posted by User0362458550, at 11:40 9 Jun 2012

    15 Arshad - Personally I think the BBC punditry team could do with bringing back Adebayor. Now there was a pundit that knew his stuff... as far as I could tell.

  • Comment posted by User0540848118, at 09:15 9 Jun 2012

    Robbie Savage's hatred of Arsenal is well documented. This is a man whose own biased opinions supercede fair and balanced criticism. Why does he have to be cynical when commenting on anything Arsenal? For some of us who spent part of their lives in Africa and other places the BBC was the most respected broadcaster known for its fair reliable views. With the likes of Savage its no longer the same.

  • Comment posted by ebensdad, at 10:49 9 Jun 2012

    The BBC used to lead the world with the quality of their sports coverage. This was not the case last night. I found the match commentary very hard to listen to and found myself shouting at the TV. I hope that coverage improves for the rest of the tournament. Arshavin was fantastic by the way!

  • Comment posted by great_to_watch, at 09:28 10 Jun 2012

    As always, the few (mostly mediocre) games at the Euros (or the World Cup) are over-analysed by the media. On average, an EPL or CL game is so much better.
    As to Arshavin - not sure why his apparently positive performance is considered a surprise. How good are the Czech Republic defensively? Are they better than mid-table championship? Arshavin (or anyone else) should be judged after 50 games.

  • Comment posted by User0629220551, at 12:06 9 Jun 2012

    Agree he was fairly good but people must wonder why he didn't play like that for his team here. Still, I guess people would say the same about Pav - yes , let's not forget Pav, 1 assist and 1 goal, hardly gets a mention. Wonder why DM?

  • Comment posted by U14841845, at 14:39 10 Jun 2012

    What does the British media have against Arsenal? Could it be a veiled racial attack - seems like all season they have been getting hammered. Liverpool spent a fortune and finished 8th, Arsenal made millions and finished 3rd

    This thread is a Wenger bashing opportunity. If I was in the media I would be commending Arsenal for living within their means while still competing at the highest level

  • Comment posted by Tyto alba, at 11:25 9 Jun 2012

    czerwonadupa: John Terry is innocent until proven guilty, that is our system. Should he be found guilty of the alleged offence in a court of law then you can judge the FA's response. Racism has been tackled in this country, not just in football. It still exists but so do the laws and punishments to deal with it.

  • Comment posted by Henrys underpants, at 07:49 9 Jun 2012

    ...must've had an identical twin brother "playing" for Arsenal. Not the same lad who was pulling on a shirt at the Emirates season before last.

    Russia were very good last night - but then I thought the Czechs were very poor. Not the best Group for quality, so we will have to wait to see how Russia respond to a more organised and threatening side.

  • Comment posted by rememberscarborough, at 12:32 9 Jun 2012

    Arshavin is the football equivalent of cricket's flat track bully. Looks wonderful in a good team but disappears when the chips are down. Russia played well last night but we'll only know how good they are when they get out of their group.

    As for Savage, anything he says is purely for showbiz purposes and is in the same league as that performing dog (and probably uses the same stylist!)

  • Comment posted by Bob_Noxious, at 07:42 9 Jun 2012

    I was looking forward to viewing the highlights until I heard Lilly.
    Russia could have, should have had 7. Dark horses until they meet the likes of Germany, Spain et al.

  • Comment posted by User0288222445, at 11:19 10 Jun 2012

    Advocaat has done a good job with the talent at his disposal. Congrats to Arshavin and his talented squad. Well played.

    Dr. Cajetan Coelho

  • Comment posted by Gooner, at 14:35 9 Jun 2012

    'Perhaps the Czech team did not offer much resitance....'

    Is it too much to ask that the 'journalist' who compiled this rubbish, at least makes use of 'spell-checker'? There is no excuse for poor spelling of this nature in this technological age.

  • Comment posted by User0895128601, at 19:23 9 Jun 2012

    russians ultras on euro.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iaiRQiP42Y

  • Comment posted by czerwonadupa, at 10:08 9 Jun 2012

    "They need to make sure if anything does arrive it's dealt with swiftly, efficiently, harshly and uniformly." Clarke Carlise PFA Chairman to UEFA

    Two words Mr Carlise "John Terry" so stop lecturing Europe when your own house is not in order

  • Comment posted by oakwoodbank, at 16:59 9 Jun 2012

    I enjoyed watching Arshavin when he played for Russia prior to his transfer to Arsenal. Whatever the reasons for his regression here in UK, and there could be many, I am pleased to see that he is almost back to his old self, as well as happy, on his return home.

  • Comment posted by Eric, at 18:00 9 Jun 2012

    @grey shoes.

    You are right of course, sadly the BBC is obsessed with anything
    remotely anti-black prejudice, but is keen to turn a blind eye when
    it works the other way round.

    Take the cherry-picked 'news' with a pinch of salt.

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