Euro 2012 Bracket: Analysis and Predictions for Tuesday's Group A Matches

Now that every side has played one game, the tension will start to rise in Euro 2012 as teams try to find ways to clinch a spot in the knockout round. The focus shifts back to Group A on Tuesday with Russia being the only country to earn all three points in the first game.

Let's take a closer look at each of the two games on the Tuesday slate and make predictions for how each of them will turn out. For a complete list of how the bracket standings are shaping up, visit the official UEFA tournament site.

Greece vs. Czech Republic

Greece was involved in one of the wildest Euro 2012 games in quite some time when it drew with Poland. Backup Polish goalkeeper Przemyslaw Tyton saved a penalty by Giorgos Karagounis after Wojciech Szczesny was given a red card.

Despite not being able to pick up the victory, Greece played the strong technical game everybody expected and really picked up its level of play in the second half. The Ethniki will need to carry that momentum over against a hungry Czech squad.

That's because the Czech Republic was exposed by Russia in its opener. The Narodak defense was simply over-matched for most of the match. Sometimes it's good to get beat like that in the opener because it provides plenty of motivation and there's enough time to bounce back.

The Czechs have plenty of talent up front, including Milan Baros and Tomas Rosicky. They must find a way to get those players more involved early. Greece's more steady pace should help and will keep the defense protected.

A draw will keep both teams' hopes alive heading into the final match and seems like the most likely outcome with the Czech Republic destined to have a more complete performance.

Prediction: Czech Republic 1, Greece 1

Poland vs. Russia

Poland should feel fortunate. If not for Tyton's heroics, it would be staring down the most difficult group game while already playing from behind. That one save has really given the team a reprieve and some added confidence.

Robert Lewandowski was the team's most dangerous player throughout the first game, which isn't a surprise. He needs to receive more support from him teammates in order to keep pace with a Russian side with quick-strike ability.

Through one set of fixtures, it would be tough to find a more impressive team than Russia. Alan Dzagoev provided the scoring punch and the back line held up well when the Czechs did muster some chances. The Russians never appeared to be in any serious danger.

If they can string together two straight top-notch matches, it will be time to start talking about them as a potential sleeper team. They don't have as much star power as some other sides, but playing as a cohesive unit is more important.

Poland should have enough talent to put up a fight for awhile, but in the end Russia looked too strong four days ago to pick against them. A second-half goal earns all three points.

Prediction: Russia 2, Poland 0