UEFA Euro 2012

The UEFA Euro 2012 kicked off last friday and all of Match Day 1 has been completed last night. Here's a recap of the matches.

Group A: Poland 1-1 Greece

Both teams ended with ten men as Dimitris Salpingidis spoiled the party for the co-hosts, who escaped with a point after Przemysław Tytoń's penalty save.

The home party looked in full swing at half-time after a first period of Polish dominance brought a Robert Lewandowski goal, but Greece, down to ten men after Sokratis Papastathopoulos's dismissal, responded with a 51st-minute equaliser from substitute Dimitris Salpingidis.

They might have won the game too when Wojciech Szczęsny brought down Salpingidis to earn himself a red card and give Greece a 71st-minute penalty. However, Giorgos Karagounis, a scorer when Greece beat Portugal in the UEFA Euro 2004 opener, failed to repeat history as Przemysław Tytoń saved his kick.

Russia 4-1 Czech Replublic

Alan Dzagoev scored twice as Russia swept to a convincing victory over the Czech Republic in Wroclaw and leave his nation atop Group A after the opening games in the section.

Dick Advocaat had reiterated his belief that Russia are contenders to win the tournament in his pre-match press conference. With the way his team performed in their opening game in brushing aside the Czech Republic 4-1, the Dutchman will not have changed his mind.

Group B: Netherlands 0-1 Denmark

The Oranje spurned chance after chance but Michael Krohn-Dehli's fine first-half finish was enough for the Danes to throw Group B wide open.

Through a combination of sheer defiance and one clinical finish, Denmark defeated the Netherlands for the first time in nine attempts, and 45 years, to throw UEFA Euro 2012 Group B wide open.

Germany 1-0 Portugal

Joachim Löw was delighted with Germany's start in a competition he equates to a Formula 1 race, though he admits he was moments from bringing Mario Gomez in for a pit stop.

Joachim Löw was delighted to kick off with a win as Mario Gomez's goal proved to be enough to win Germany their Group B opener against Portugal, but while the result was a disappointment for his opposite number, Paulo Bento could not fault his side's commitment.

Group C: Spain 1-1 Italy

Cesc Fàbregas earned the defending champions a point in Gdansk by cancelling out substitute Antonio Di Natale's goal for Italy.

Spain and Italy shared the spoils after an enthralling opening Group C encounter at the Arena Gdansk produced a 1-1 draw. This was one of the most anticipated games of the UEFA Euro 2012 group stage and it did not disappoint with substitute Antonio Di Natale giving Cesare Prandelli's side a 61st-minute lead before Cesc Fàbregas levelled proceedings shortly afterwards.

Republic of Ireland 1-3 Croatia

Mario Mandžukić struck twice as Croatia opened their UEFA Euro 2012 campaign with a stylish victory against the Republic of Ireland.

A match played in incessant rain for long periods produced anything but a damp squib. Mandžukić, a focal point for Croatia throughout, struck as early as the third minute – the sixth-fastest goal in Euro history. Ireland rallied to level through centre-back Sean St Ledger, but Mandžukić grabbed his second after Nikica Jelavić had reclaimed the lead and Croatia never looked like slipping up from there.

Group D: France 1-1 England

France coach Laurent Blanc admitted to "mixed feelings" after the 1-1 draw with England, happy at least that his side did not lose, while Roy Hodgson said he was "obviously pleased".

France coach Laurent Blanc admitted to "mixed feelings" at the end of his side's 1-1 draw with England in their opening Group D encounter in Donetsk. "We're disappointed not to have won it but glad not to have lost," he said, before praising Samir Nasri for his equaliser. Opposite number Roy Hodgson expressed satisfaction with a hard-fought point, hoping the game will give his charges "a good platform" to go on at UEFA Euro 2012.

Ukraine 2-1 Sweden

Andriy Shevchenko called on his old predatory powers as he struck twice to earn the co-hosts a come-from-behind win on a famous night for Ukraine.

Ukraine made a dream start to UEFA Euro 2012 as a quickfire double from their captain, Andriy Shevchenko, earned a famous comeback victory against Sweden.