Russia vs. Czech Republic: 6 Things We Learned

The opening day of Euro 2012 certainly provided a great display of football for those doubting the credentials of this major international tournament.

In Group A, a strong looking Russian team entered the fray against a Czech Republic side that looked somewhat weaker in stature.

The form guide backed Russia all the way and they didn't disappoint—running out 4-1 winners over the disillusioned Czechs.

Following on from the impressive result, here are six things we learned.

Russia Will Comfortably Win the Group

If you didn't think it before their game against the Czech Republic, surely Russia have left no doubt as to whether they are going to top Group A.

The Russians have a solid defense with a midfield and attack that is bursting with ability and pace.

The Czech Republic were probably the toughest test that Russia anticipated facing in the group stages, with Greece looking offensively shy and Poland being relative minnows—even with home backing.

I wouldn't be surprised to see nine points from three games for Russia.

Czech Republic Are Weak Defensively

After conceding four goals against Russia, the Czech Republic's defense looked as shoddy on the field as it did on paper prior to the tournament.

Holding midfielders weren't tactically effective and the back four were far too easily exposed by the Russian attack.

The Czechs will take solace in the fact that their next opponents do not have the attacking quality that Russia enjoys, but their underlying issues will mean that getting out of the group stages might be as far as they can go.

Alan Dzagoev Has the Chance to Make Himself a Star

Twenty-one-year old Alan Dzagoev has long been considered a potential superstar in Russia, but the youngster now finds himself in a position to showcase his talents to the rest of Europe.

His opening-game performance produced two excellent goals and some neat interplay with his teammates.

If Dzagoev can continue to improve as the tournament progresses, he could turn himself into a global phenomenon.

Dzagoev currently plays his club football for CSKA Moscow.

Czech Republic, Greece and Poland Are All Still in with a Chance of Progressing

Despite Czech Republic's hammering by Russia, they still have a strong chance of progressing to the knockout stages thanks to the other result in Group A which saw Poland draw with Greece.

The three teams know that a defeat in their next game would virtually end any hope of making the knockout stages, but Czech Republic really dodged a bullet when Przemysław Tytoń saved Giorgos Karagounis' spot kick for Poland with the scores at 1-1.

Russia Could Go Far in the Tournament

Russia's last European Championship outing in 2008 led them to the semifinals where they were knocked out by eventual winners Spain.

If Russia top their group as expected, the second-placed team from Group C will be their knockout stage opponents.

That means that one of Spain, Italy, Republic of Ireland or Croatia will await them.

With Spain also likely to top their group, you could perhaps cut that list to three—if only football were so simple.

Russia have the opportunity to be latter stage representatives once again.

Andrei Arshavin Hasn't Suffered a Loss of Ability

Shunned by Arsenal fans for lack of form over the 2011/12 season, Andrei Arshavin was farmed out back to former club Zenit St Petersburg on loan until the end of the season.

It seems as though that loan spell of regular football has done him the world of good, as the diminutive Russian looked lively and sharp in his Euro opener.

With Arsene Wenger seemingly content to sell him over the summer period, Arshavin may use this tournament to engineer a permanent move elsewhere.

Zenit are already thought to be keen on making the deal permanent.

On Twitter? Follow me @petercwebster where I post all my B/R content.