Group A: Friday 8th June

Russia to overpower Czech Republic in first meeting since 1996

Russia

Russia's 3-0 defeat of Italy last week adds to their 14 match unbeaten run, and will certainly provide the side with plenty of confidence in their opening fixture. Armed with former Premier League striker Roman Pavlyuchenko and on loan Andrey Arshavin the side will hope to start their 10th European campaign off with a bang.

Czech Republic

Czech football fans have already travelled in force to bordering Poland to show their support, but will this be enough for the team that only managed to score 12 goals in their qualification for Euro 2012? Though the side boast the Champion's League hero Petr Cech, their attacking stars of Milan Baros and Tomas Rosicky won't be enough to beat the 11th seed Russians.

Clean Sheet potential:

Petr Cech alone won't hold off the Russian attack.

Transfer Target:

Czech playmaker Tomas Rosicky.

Last meeting:

Czech Republic 3 – 3 Russia (1996)