Russia vs. Czech Republic: Date, Start Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

Euro 2012 is slated to begin Friday, June 8 with Group A taking center stage. Poland will take on Greece in the opening contest, and Russia will face off with the Czech Republic shortly thereafter.

While Russia and the Czech Republic don't have a storied rivalry, they have met in meaningful games in the past.

In their last meeting in Euro 1996, the two sides played to a 3-3 draw in group play. The Czech Republic would advance out of Group C and progress all the way to the tournament finals where they would lose to Germany, 2-1.

Where: Municipal Stadium, Wroclaw, Poland

When: 2:30 PM ET

Live Stream: ESPN3

Players to Watch

While neither Russia nor the Czech Republic are believed to be world powers in soccer, both sides possess world-class talent.   

For the Czechs, two premier league rivals stick out. The first is Petr Cech, the Chelsea goalkeeper who was last seen leading his team to a UEFA Champions League title in a penalty shootout. According to ESPN.com, the Czech goalkeeper recently inked an extension to remain with the Blues for another four seasons.

Cech has made over 80 international appearances, but his Czech side fell short in their last Euro appearance, failing to emerge out of the group stage in 2008.

The Czech's other key weapon is Arsenal midfielder, Tomas Rosicky. After questions that the Czech captain may not be available for Friday's opening match, Rosicky recently resumed training (via SI.com) and should be ready to go against Russia.

As for the Russians, keep an eye on Rosicky's Arsenal teammate and Russian captain Andrei Arshavin to have a profound impact as an attacking midfielder. As he has aged, Arshavin has seen less and less time on the pitch with the gunners, resulting in a loan to Zenit Saint Petersburg.

Alongside Arshavin, expect former Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko to be active. After helping Russia advance to the semifinals of Euro 2008, look for more goals out of the 30-year-old.

Who Emerges from Group A?

After both sides failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, Russia and the Czech Republic will be looking to redeem themselves. Russia find themselves just outside of the Top 10 (No. 11) in the current FIFA world rankings, and that would appear to make them the favorites to win Group A.

If Russia ultimately emerge from Group A, there will be one spot left for Greece (ranked No. 14 in the world), Czech Republic (No. 26) and Poland (No. 65).

Although Poland would appear to be outmatched, there's no consensus about who will emerge, unlike the other three groups. Poland have been given consideration because of their status as the host country, and with striker Robert Lewandowski leading the way, no one is counting them out just yet.

As for Greece, they enter the European Championships unbeaten in international play so far this year. After a pair of 1-1 draws with Belgium and Slovenia, Greece defeated Armenia last week in a tune-up for their matches in Poland.

That said, the Czech Republic have a strong history at Euro tournaments (1996 and 2004) and look like a good bet to move on from the group stage.

Prediction: Russia win, 2-1

Although the Czech Republic possess one of the world's most skilled goalkeepers, Petr Cech may not be enough to hold off a strong Russian attack. The Czechs will rely on striker Milan Baros to counter the Russian attack, but he won't be able to carry the load all by himself.