Ireland Hope and Homework - Pays Off For Bilić

Slaven Bilić put his side's opening Group C win against the Republic of Ireland down to preparation, and the extra cutting edge Croatia found up front in Poznan.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilić felt preparation had been the key to his side's opening 3-1 Group C win against the Republic of Ireland, whose manager Giovanni Trapattoni urged his team to bounce back and believe in the principles that took them to the finals.

Giovanni Trapattoni, Republic of Ireland manager

Tomorrow we will have time to clarify what happened in the first half. Yesterday I said we were ready for a good performance, but after two minutes we conceded a goal – it was a shame for Shay [Given] as he had three or four players in front of him. He couldn't see the ball.

They deserved to be in front in the first half because they were superb in midfield. I tried to change things in the second half and wanted to rest Robbie a bit. I put in [Simon] Cox and [Jon] Walters and we played a bit better. The first goal was our mistake – maybe we were tense at the start of the game, but the second goal came at a key time. We have played a lot better than this.

We have to think about the players' fitness before the next game. If I decide to change it won't be necessarily because a player had a poor game. Spain only have one point – we need to react psychologically and go again because we have to remember how many games we have played without conceding. We believe in our strength. This evening we met a team who are technically strong but every game in this tournament could bring a surprise.

Slaven Bilić, Croatia coach

I was expecting this kind of result. We prepared well for the game and knew everything about Ireland. We thought we were the better team but you never know. We played them in a friendly in August 2011, when we didn't play well but we showed tonight how we can play. We were much better today going forward.

I must congratulate my players and both sets of supporters. The atmosphere was great and it was an entertaining match for neutral supporters too. I'm completely satisfied with how we played tonight. We controlled midfield and our wingers were dangerous. Ireland hadn't lost in 14 games – they were in a qualifying group with Russia, and drew 0-0 in Moscow, so we must be playing really well to beat such a strong team.

They scored from our error. Our goals came from really good play. It can happen that you concede from set pieces – our defence had a blind moment – but we were more creative. You can't be happy after you concede but it was a good response from our team. From the first minute, I was really sure we were the better team and that we had a great chance of winning the game.

We were dreaming about winning, being in this position. We have three points and are top of the group. We are playing against two teams that may have more quality but I'm sure that Ireland will also play hard matches against Spain and Italy.

Ireland Hope and Homework - Pays Off For Bilić

Russian Coach Dick Advocaat hails 'great result' in opener

Dick Advocaat was not entirely satisfied with his Russia team despite an impressive win against the Czech Republic, whose coach, Michal Bílek, hopes his players can put the loss behind them.

Dick Advocaat described Russia's 4-1 defeat of the Czech Republic as "a very good result", but insisted his team "have to be sharper" as they got their UEFA EURO 2012 campaign under way. Czech coach Michal Bílek paid tribute to Advocaat's "great team", and told his squad they must look forward to their remaining Group A games.

Dick Advocaat, Russia coach
When you score four goals against the Czech Republic, it's a very good result, but we should have scored more. At 2-1 it was difficult, and we have to improve in that regard, we have to be sharper. Perhaps a better team will score more against us, but for a first game, 4-1 is a good result.

Andrey Arshavin played really well, worked very hard, and I think it's important for the team the way he can play. I'm very positive about him and about the whole team. Alan Dzagoev played in all the qualifying games, and I've always said he has a lot of talent. He's been in training two-and-a-half weeks, but it's good we have Marat Izmailov and Aleksandr Kokorin to push him for a place in the side.

It's very important that we've only trained once a day. The players have played a season-and-a-half, and had just a week off. They wouldn't have been able to run anymore if we'd trained more. It was a conscious decision to train just once a day, and it paid off against Italy and again today. You could see the benefits it reaps. On Tuesday, it's going to be another interesting game for both teams in another great stadium.

Michal Bílek, Czech Republic coach
I think we started well, had possession of the ball, and created some good situations that we weren't able to finish. Then we gave the ball away, they broke quickly and scored. That was a mistake, but Russia are a great team with great quality. We had problems with the combinations of the Russians. They had a lot of chances. We couldn't get the ball, they played with just one or two touches, and that's why they had so many chances.

We tried to change things. We managed to get back into it, and wanted a different result. But we weren't patient, we lost the ball, and didn't have enough strength. Russia must have been very happy about that. We'd watched many Russian games. They're a great team, with great technique, great combinations, and they showed us today that they're a very good side.

There are three matches in each group, and each match is important. We didn't get a good result in the first one, we have to do better in the remaining two. We're all very disappointed, but we have to get over this result. We have to show our strength, our team spirit. I think our team can give a better account of themselves in the next two games. We're going to look forward now.

Russian Coach Dick Advocaat hails 'great result' in opener

Roman Shirokov - Russian Mid-Fielder in UEFA Event

Roman Shirokov felt Russia's ability to capitalise on chances was crucial as they defeated the Czech Republic, while the influential Roman Pavlyuchenko warned against getting carried away.

Russia made a blistering start to Group A as they defeated the Czech Republic 4-1 in Wroclaw with Alan Dzagoev scoring twice. Three of their key men, including Russia's other goalscorers, Roman Shirokov and Roman Pavlyuchenko, said they were delighted to post maximum points as they shared their thoughts on the game afterwards.

Roman Shirokov, Russia midfielder
The key factor was that we took our chances. We scored two of our first three [chances] and it helped us a lot. We didn't start well, but by 25 minutes in, we were 2-0 up. [After the Czech Republic goal] it was quite tough. At half-time we said that we had to play well early in the second half, but [seven] minutes in we conceded a goal.

We played pretty well and had chances, but then we found ourselves in a bit of trouble. It's good that we scored soon after that. We were eager to win and we wanted to win convincingly, but we didn't imagine that everything would go so well for us.

Yuri Zhirkov, Russia defender
It's always important to win the first match. It was important to take the three points. We've played pretty well in these two games [including the 3-0 friendly win against Italy] both defensively and in attack – maybe this was the key factor in us scoring these seven goals.

Roman Pavlyuchenko, Russia forward
We cannot let ourselves get too carried away; we have only three days before our next game. We should forget about this match tomorrow and start preparations for Poland. The task is not completed yet and we cannot afford to take it easy. We expect harder games to come.

Roman Shirokov - Russian Mid-Fielder in UEFA Event

Pilař rages after Czechs cave in to Russia

After a 4-1 defeat against Russia in their opening UEFA EURO 2012 game, Václav Pilař took no consolation in having scored in Wroclaw, with the winger left bitter by the manner of their defeat. Defender Michal Kadlec felt a little more positive about the team's performance, but found the scoreline just as hard to take.

Václav Pilař, Czech Republic winger
It ended very badly. We really wanted to make a great impression in the first match of the tournament and, most importantly, not to lose it. We made a lot of mistakes and we didn't defend very well, so it was a bad game today. We gave them the room to play, which was bad. We knew that Russia have good forwards and I think we could have handled them, but they were simply better when they had the ball and we weren't strong enough in one-on-one situations.

Jaroslav Plašil laid on a great pass to me right between their two full-backs [for my goal] but I'm not happy. I would have been far happier if we had achieved a good result. We're angry now, even more so after losing by such a scoreline.

Michal Kadlec, Czech Republic defender
We expected the Russians to make the running from the start, but it turned out to be the other way round; it was us who started the match well but then we froze, twice in fact. It is difficult to lift yourself again after that. Then we got ourselves going by scoring the goal, so it was 2-1 and we were trying to score again but then it went to 3-1. It's a pity. We did not play that badly, but when you look at the 4-1 scoreline, it says it all. We have to put this match behind us and analyse our errors so we do not repeat them in the next match. There are two more matches, we have to improve.

Were Russia better than we expected? I don't really know – it is difficult to say. I think we made lots of mistakes we had not made during qualifying or since then. A high-quality opponent such as Russia, of course, punishes anyone for mistakes such as we made and then it ends up being a very, very bitter defeat.

The atmosphere was great, I must thank all the Czech fans who came. Let's hope they will also come to help us in the next match. This is sport, this is football: you lose games, but it may be that we have got our errors and our defeat out of the way at the start. In the past, we have managed to shake off heavy defeats and lift our heads again. I hope the character of our team will shine through again, and that we will shake off this defeat, too.

Pilař rages after Czechs cave in to Russia

Avraam Papadopoulos - Greece Defender is not Playing this Session

Greece defender Avraam Papadopoulos has returned home from UEFA EURO 2012 after suffering knee ligament damage in his country's opening day draw with co-hosts Poland.

Avraam Papadopoulos will miss the rest of UEFA EURO 2012 after suffering ligament damage in his left knee during Greece's tournament opener against co-hosts Poland.

The injury occurred 37 minutes into the 1-1 draw and the Olympiacos FC defender was replaced by his namesake Kyriakos, before being taken to hospital. Scans confirmed the 27-year-old suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and sprained lateral collateral ligament of the left knee. After returning to the team hotel in Jachranka, a statement made by the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) announced he would return home for treatment.

Greece will next face the Czech Republic in Wroclaw on 12 June as they aim to get a first Group A win after Dimitris Salpingidis' second-half goal earned the draw with Poland.

Avraam Papadopoulos - Greece Defender is not Playing this Session

Gerard Piqué - Hopeful in the Event

This has been an unusual season for Gerard Piqué – four trophies but also unwelcome focus on his relationships with both Josep Guardiola and his pop star girlfriend Shakira.

On the pitch, for the first time since he returned to Spain from Manchester United FC in 2008 he missed out on the Liga title. And if the idea of taking his club partnership with Carles Puyol into the UEFA European Championship to ease the domestic pain by winning a third straight international trophy appealed, that prospect disappeared with his Puyol's s recent knee surgery.

But not for nothing is the 25-year-old nicknamed Piquenbauer, a soubriquet that fills its inspiration, Franz Beckenbauer, with delight. Piqué is both elegant and tough, and has no concerns about teaming up with Sergio Ramos in the middle of Spain's normally watertight defence or opening Group C against a notoriously pugnacious Italy. Missing Puyol might be a little bit harder to come to terms with.

"Puyi is like a brother to me and we've shared four great years together for club and country," concedes the FC Barcelona defender. "I'm obviously going to miss the guy and it's a great pity he can't be here with us. But Sergio Ramos is a top central defender, I get on well with him. People say we don't like each other but that's not right, just like people questioned how I got on with Pep Guardiola this season. We are all here united as Spain players with the same objective of winning the championship again."

The much-quoted statistic that, if Spain were to follow their tournament victories of 2008 and 2010, they would become the first nation ever to win three successive trophies might be even more daunting – but not for Piqué.

"I like being called favourites – there's a reason for that," he explained. "It indicates people know we have a team to win this title. I like the extra pressure that brings. Everyone is going to view us as the enemy and I'm sure that one team, at least, is going to really get after us. But, equally, if we play our game and impose our philosophy then we can and will win this tournament."

Gerard Piqué - Hopeful in the Event

UEFA Schedule - Euro 2012 Europa

The UEFA EURO 2012 schedule kicks off on Friday, June 8, with the first of two matches. It's an exciting day for football fans around the world and it begins a grueling month of matches set up to determine the latest EURO champion.

In the current FIFA world rankings, Spain is way out in front and should be considered one of the favorites to win the tournament. Germany is in second and Netherlands is currently fourth. That likely makes Group B the toughest at EURO 2012, as both Germany and Netherlands are in it, as well as fifth ranked Portugal and tenth ranked Denmark. Having four of the top 10 in the same grouping will certainly get this one called the "group of death."

Television schedules have not yet been released for the matches, but in the United States it is ESPN that holds the rights to air games. They will likely take full advantage of the key matches. The matches are taking place in Poland and Ukraine, with the countries alternating days during group play.

All games listed below are noted in Pacific Standard Time.You can change it according to what you are following your country.

EURO 2012 Schedule

Friday, June 8 (Poland)

Poland vs. Greece, 10 a.m. PT

Russia vs. Czech Republic, 12:45 p.m. PT

Saturday, June 9 (Ukraine)

Netherlands vs. Denmark, 10 a.m. PT

Germany vs. Portugal, 12:45 p.m. PT

Sunday, June 10 (Poland)

Spain vs. Italy, 10 a.m. PT

Ireland vs. Croatia, 12:45 p.m. PT

Monday, June 11 (Ukraine)

France vs. England, 10 a.m. PT

Ukraine vs. Sweden, 12:45 p.m. PT

Tuesday, June 12 (Poland)

Greece vs. Czech Republic, 10 a.m. PT

Poland vs. Russia, 12:45 p.m. PT

Wednesday, June 13 (Ukraine)

Denmark vs. Portugal, 10 a.m. PT

Netherlands vs. Germany, 12:45 p.m. PT

Thursday, June 14 (Poland)

Italy vs. Croatia, 10 a.m. PT

Spain vs. Ireland, 12:45 p.m. PT

Friday, June 15 (Ukraine)

Sweden vs. England, 10 a.m. PT

Ukraine vs. France, 12:45 p.m. PT

Saturday, June 16 (Poland)

Greece vs. Russia, 12:45 p.m. PT (National Stadium Warsaw)

Czech Republic vs. Poland, 12:45 p.m. PT (Municipal Stadium Wroclaw)

Sunday, June 17 (Ukraine)

Portugal vs. Netherlands, 12:45 p.m. PT (Metalist Stadium)

Denmark vs. Germany, 12:45 p.m. PT (Arena Lviv)

Monday, June 18 (Poland)

Croatia vs. Spain, 12:45 p.m. PT (PGE Arena Gdansk)

Italy vs. Ireland, 12:45 p.m. PT (Municipal Stadium)

Tuesday, June 19 (Ukraine)

Sweden vs. France, 12:45 p.m. PT (Kiev Olympic Stadium)

England vs. Ukraine, 12:45 p.m. PT (Donbass Arena)

Thursday, June 21 (Match 25)

Winner Group A vs. Runner-Up Group B, 12:45 p.m. PT (National Stadium Warsaw, Poland)

Friday, June 22 (Match 26)

Winner Group B vs. Runner-Up Group A, 12:45 p.m. PT (PGE Arena Gdansk, Poland)

Saturday, June 23 (Match 27)

Winner Group C vs. Runner-Up Group D, 12:45 p.m. PT (Donbass Arena, Ukraine)

Sunday, June 24 (Match 28)

Runner-Up Group C vs. Winner Group D, 12:45 p.m. PT (Olympic Stadium)

Wednesday, June 27

Winner Match 25 vs. Winner Match 27, 12:45 p.m. PT (Donbass Arena, Ukraine)

Thursday, June 28

Winner Match 26 vs. Winner Match 28, 12:45 p.m. PT (National Stadium Warsaw, Poland)

Sunday, July 1

Winner Semifinal 1 vs. Winner Semifinal 2, 12:45 p.m. PT (Olympic Stadium)

UEFA Schedule - Euro 2012 Europa