Euro 2012: Czechs and Greeks First to Advance to Last Eight

This Polish supporter's prayers were unable to get the co-hosts a win. (Shaun Botterill) 

A nation of 40 million turned their gaze upon their city of Wroclaw. They hoped and prayed that somehow their team could find a way to win so that they could live to play another day of football. This nation was Poland, one of the co-hosts for the Euro 2012 tournament. The Poles needed a win over neighboring Czech Republic in order to advance. Things looked promising early as the hosts had a considerable amount of quality chances. Unfortunately, they all went begging. As the first half drew to a close, momentum seemed to start to shift in favor of the Czechs. The two sides went to halftime scoreless. The Czechs came out pressing once again to start the second half. The Poles knew they would have to take some chances because they had to score to be able to win. However, one of those chances led to a turnover. The Czechs counterattacked beautifully as striker Milan Baros held the ball long enough to set up midfielder Petr Jiracek for the pretty goal. The Poles tried all they could to score the two goals they needed, but came up empty against Petr Cech and the Czech defense. The Czechs held on to win 1-0.

Greek players celebrate their goal in the first half stoppage time. (Michael Sohn)

When Russia beat the Czech Republic 4-1 in their opening match, they quickly became one of the tournament favorites. However, a surprising draw with Poland meant the Russians needed a draw or win against last place Greece to advance. Russia had plenty of opportunities in the first half to get on the board first, but most of them were long range efforts that were poorly taken. Just when it seemed as though the Russians would have to settle for a scoreless draw headed into halftime, the Greeks earned a seemingly inconsequential thrown in. However, a misplay by a Russian defender left the ball at the feet of Greek captain Giorgos Karagounis. Karagouins dribbled in and struck a low, hard shot into the back of the net. The Greeks came out in the second half knowing that they could focus on doing what they do best playing defense. The Russians still had a plethora of chances to find an equalizer, but struggled to find a quality finish. Despite having 25 shots on goal, they could not put one in the back of the net. As the final whistle blew, the Greeks stormed the field, knowing they had completed the improbable upset.

Group A ended up far from what was expected. The Poles gave a valient effort and deserve to be commended. They gave their home crowd all they could ask for and were in it to the very end. The Czechs certainly didn't have the prettiest group stage effort, but they still managed to advance as the group's winners. The Russians went from tournament favorites to early exit in a matter of little more than 90 minutes. They have to be disappointed, but will for sure be back with vengence on their minds. The Greeks, well they gave their countrymen something to believe in. A nation in desperate need of hope may have just found it a team of young men who refuse to give up. In the last eight, the Czech Republic awaits the runner-up of Group B, while Greece will play Group B's winner.