After his 1-1 draw with Poland, Russian national team coach Dick Advokat said his players were stronger than the Poles and that he regarded the score as a success given the 40,000 Polish supporters that filled the stadium.

“Going ahead in the score, we controlled the pace of the game. I was confident of a close win. After the goal, I figured that we would have more space to play in, like in the game with the Czechs, but it didn’t happen,” Advokat said, noting that his team hadn’t lost their concentration after beating the Czechs 4-1.

Advokat said that in their Saturday game with Greece, Russia must exhibit goof form.

“It’s clear that we are the best team in the group, but we must prove this on the pitch,” Advokat added.

 Poland coach Franciszek Smuda praised the Russian coach, saying that Advokat had put together a great team with strong players.

“They are truly a strong team and that’s why I consider a draw with Russia to be a honourable thing,” said Smuda.

He said Poland has a good chance of making it to the quarter finals since the team can beat the Czechs in their next game.