Euro 2012 Results: Previews and Predictions for Tuesday's Group a Matches

After providing an exciting opening day at Euro 2012, Group A will resume play on Tuesday.

Their first matches were bursting with action, as Greece and co-host Poland battled to a thrilling 1-1 draw, while Alan Dzagoev and a strong Russian side poured in four goals against the Czech Republic.

I wouldn't count on seeing seven combined goals in today's matches, but we should still be treated to some excellent football.

Here is everything you need to know about Tuesday's Group A action.

Greece vs. Czech Republic

Start Time: 12:00 p.m. ET

TV Coverage: ESPN

Live Stream: ESPN3

Last Meeting: Greece 0 - Czech Republic 0 (Greece won on silver goal, Euro 2004)

Preview

The Czechs had a disaster in their opening game of the tournament, surrendering four goals to Russia. Their defense was constantly shredded, particularly 21-year-old midfielder Alan Dzagoev, who had two goals on the day.

Offensively, the Czech Republic lacked creativity. Tomas Rosicky and Milan Barros showed their age (not in a good way), and Vaclav Pilar was the only player who could discover some space in the Russian defense. They will need to be much more fluid in their attack today.

For the Greeks, they will undoubtedly give more minutes to Dimitrios Salpingidis. The explosive forward came off the bench and rescued the stagnant Greek offense in the second half, scoring one goal and earning a penalty kick twenty minutes later.

This has the potential to be a compelling match, with the duel between Salpingidis and goalkeeper Petr Cech appearing to be the marquee matchup.

In the end, I think Salpingidis and the Greek attack will expose the Czechs' porous defense. Look for them to earn three points and put themselves in an excellent position to advance from Group A.

Final Prediction: Greece 1 - Czech Republic 0

Poland vs. Russia

Start Time: 2:45 p.m. ET

TV Coverage: ESPN

Live Stream: ESPN3

Last Meeting: Russia 2 - Poland 2 (International Friendly, 2007)

Preview

These two squads will be at opposite ends of the confidence spectrum, as the Russians destroyed the Czechs in their first match, while Poland squandered a great chance to earn three points against Greece.

The Poles were brilliant in the first half of their game, using a fluid and creative attack to take a 1-0 lead into halftime. Unfortunately, the ten-man Greek squad equalized early in the second half, and the poles were on their heels for the rest of the match.

Poland will also be without starting keeper Wojciech Szczesny, who received a red card against Greece. His replacement, Przemyslaw Tyton, is certainly capable between the posts, but Poland would prefer to have their No. 1 keeper to fend off the Russian attack.

Led by Alan Dzagoev and Andrei Arshavin, Russia has one of the more potent offenses in the entire tournament. They are constantly moving in the attacking third, finding space and exploiting it to perfection.

They were dominant against the Czechs, and I think they will have similar success today.

Final Prediction: Poland 1 - Russia 3