Skip to main content

Tensions high ahead of Poland v Russia

Authorities in Warsaw have been working hard behind the scenes to ease concerns over a planned march by Russian fans through the city to the national stadium.

Minister of Sport Joanna Mucha has played down outrage at the plan from some in Warsaw for whom that is too reminiscent of Russia's dominance of Poland during the communist era.

"I do not think there will be any problems with this march or with this day. I am sure everything will go all right," she told Reuters television.

"It is absolutely normal for the fans supporting the teams just to have a march during the tournament, so this is an absolutely normal situation."

Russian fans were also at the centre of a handful of incidents in the southern city of Wroclaw around Friday's game against the Czech Republic and are expected to be in Warsaw in force on Tuesday.

"The Russians are favourites but we've played with teams who are better than they are. There is no reason to be scared. We are at home," Polish attacking midfielder Adrian Mierzejewski told reporters on Sunday.

"For us as players, it doesn't really matter who we play but for the fans of course there is a bit of a clash, a bit more tension in this game."

"We all know what a match against the Russians means," Poland's Grosicki said on Sunday.

"It is one of those games - against Russia or Germany - where, speaking colloquially, you have to leave your guts on the pitch."