Greece, Czechs serve up more drama

Complex system

Greece went through with the better head-to-head record against Russia, a system which is increasingly unpopular because of its complexity and throws up dozens of possible connotations especially when three teams finish level on points.

The Russians, who dominated the match and paid the price for missing a flurry of chances, would have progressed under traditional goal difference which many fans would like to see brought back.

"We went out there to win the game, not to draw," said Russia's Dutch coach Dick Advocaat. "Even though we lost today we played brilliantly in the first half, then they got a goal, and that told a different story."

Greece players celebrate after defeating Russia in their Group A Euro 2012 soccer match at the National stadium in Warsaw, June 16, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Their absence may at least reduce the tensions which boiled over on Tuesday when Polish hooligans set upon a group of Russian fans marching to the stadium for the match between their respective teams.

There were no reports of any trouble this time although the Russian federation could be in trouble after fans let off more fireworks in the stadium.

Russia has already been fined 120,000 euros and over the setting off of fireworks and display of "illicit banners" against the Czech Republic and warned it will be docked six points in the Euro 2016 qualifiers if there is a repeat.

For the third game in a row, Poland paid heavily for failing to convert any of the chances they created in a bright opening.

Most of the first half was played in a violent thunderstorm with lightning flashing around the stadium and when the rain eased off, so did Poland's attacks.

The Czechs, winners in 1976, took control and stunned the home crowd when Jiracek took a pass from Milan Baros and jinked away from a defender before slotting past keeper Przemyslaw Tyton for his second goal of the tournament.

Greece's soccer fans celebrate victory against Russia after their Group A Euro 2012 soccer match at the National stadium in Warsaw, June 16, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]