Euro 2012 Scores: What We Learned from Second Wave of Group A Play

One thing for certain after the second wave of play in Group A—this group is wide open, and any one of the four teams still has the opportunity to advance.

But what will each team need to do to ensure that they'll advance? What improvements will they need to make after the matches on Tuesday?

And most imporantly, what did we learn from those matches?

Let's review each team's performance and look ahead to the final wave of group play.

Czech Republic: 2, Greece: 1

Key for Czech Republic: Take Advantage of Quick-Strike Opportunities

The Czech's recognized the weakness in Greece's back-line early in this match and exploited it to great effect, peppering the Greeks with through balls and remarkably scoring two goals in the first six minutes.

It's vital that this team score when they get the opportunity, because the team's open, attacking style leaves them vulnerable to the counter-attacks that Russia absolutely killed them with.

The other key for the Czech's will be keeping Tomas Rosicky on the pitch. When the attacking mid was taken off in the 46th minute, the Czech Republic attack dissipated. If the Czech Republic want to advance out of this group, they must start quickly against Poland and take advantage of early opportunities.

Key for Greece: Show Up at the Beginning of the Match

The Greeks have now allowed three early goals in the country's first two matches and have been thoroughly outplayed in first halves. Instead of dictating play early and slowing the pace of the game, they've started each match on their heels and have been forced to claw their way back into contests.

Russia is perfectly capable of skewering them early on the attack like the Czech Republic did and will more consistently apply pressure even if they gain a lead.

It boils down to this: If Greece comes out flat against Russia they will lose and fail to advance. It's that simple.

Poland: 1, Russia: 1

Key for Poland: Just Freaking Win One Already

That may seem pretty obvious, but hear me out. 

I've come away from both Polish matches thinking this squad had the talent and opportunities to win and each time failed to do so.

Against the Greeks, they simply didn't show up in the second half. Against the Russians, they faced a steeper challenge throughout but had multiple opportunities they failed to capitalize on.

This is a team with Robert Lewandowski, Lukasz Piszczek and Jakub Blaszczykowski from Bundesliga champion Borussia Dortmund. The quality is there for this team to advance, along with the team's home country behind them.

And now, they are in a must-win situation. Frankly, they probably should have won a game in this tournament already. If they play a full game and take advantage of more opportunities, they should be able to knock off the Czechs.

Key for Russia: Give Attackers Less Space

One of the defining factors in the second half of this match was the amount of space the Russian defenders and midfielders allowed the Polish attackers, even in Russia's defensive third.

While both sides traded counter-attacks and kept an entertaining pace throughout, the Russian defense seemed far too timid late in play and gave Poland far too many opportunities.

Against Greece, Russia should dominate possession far more and given the Greeks tendency to come out flat could find the back of the net early. Greece doesn't have the offensive weapons the Polish possess, but they are a scrappy bunch that can hurt you on the counter and are potent off of set pieces.

Russia is in the driver's seat in this group and only needs a tie to advance. That shouldn't be a problem against the Greeks unless they allow them too much space to create and Greece takes advantage.

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