Sports
Russia Will Peak for Euro 2012 - Advocaat

Dick Advocaat
© RIA Novosti. Usmanov ZamirNYON, May 30 (RIA Novosti)
Russia will peak for their Euro 2012 opener against the Czech Republic, coach Dick Advocaat insisted, despite the team's lackluster 0-0 draw against Lithuania.
Russia dominated possession but were unable to convert pressure into goals Tuesday in their penultimate warm-up game for the tournament in Ukraine and Poland.
Andrei Arshavin, Roman Shirokov and substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko came closest for Russia, who were a shadow of their attacking selves in the 1-1 draw against Uruguay in Moscow on Friday.
"I regard this game as a good training," Advocaat said. "I didn't expect such resistance from Lithuania; it was a good lesson for us. We still have time.
Advocaat said he hoped "there will be are improvements in our game" for Friday's final tune-up against Italy.
Russia start their Euro 2012 campaign against the Czechs in Wroclaw on June 8, before further group stage games against Poland and Greece.
Earlier this month, Advocaat said the opener would be the most of the three games, outstripping further matches against co-hosts Poland and Greece.
"I am sure we will reach the peak of our game for the match with the Czech Republic," he said.
Expectation is high in Russia that the country will repeat their Euro performance of 2008, when Advocaat's countryman Guus Hiddink led Russia to the semifinals, only beaten by eventual champions Spain.

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