Spirited Poland hold back Russians

Alan Dzagoev headed Russia into a first-half lead in the 37th minute, escaping his marker on the edge of the area to burst into the box and divert Andrey Arshavin's wicked in-swinging free-kick home via his shoulder more than his head.

But Poland restored parity with a simply stunning strike from Blaszczykowski who cut inside from the right and unleashed a venomous left-foot shot which flew beyond Vyacheslav Malafeev and ripped into the back of the net.

The match was played in a white-hot atmosphere in Warsaw's National Stadium, with the home fans producing a cauldron of noise and the away supporters unfurling a giant 'This is Russia' banner prior to kick-off.

Russia are top of Group A on four points ahead of their encounter against Greece, while Poland, with two points, tackle Czech Republic knowing only a win will do if they are not to suffer an early exit from their own party.

Czech Republic now have three points after they beat Greece, who have only one point, 2-1 in Tuesday's first match of the day in Group A but all four nations still have hope they can progress.