Football: Russia lead Czechs at half-time

Russia led the Czech Republic 2-0 at half-time in their opening Group A Euro 2012 match here on Friday.

Alan Dzagoev gave the Russians the lead on 15 minutes, blasting in from the edge of the box after Aleksandr Kerzhakov saw a close-range header rebound off the post.

A neat finish from Roman Shirokov nine minutes later put the Russians firmly in the driving seat – although it had been the Czechs who looked livelier in the opening exchanges.

Russia’s Dutch coach Dick Advocaat brought in Vyacheslav Malafeev of Zenit St Petersburg in place of Igor Akinfeev in goal with the CSKA Moscow star struggling with a ligament problem.

Co-hosts Poland earlier drew 1-1 with Greece in the same group.