Smuda rues Poland errors

Franciszek Smuda: Poland coach was left to reflect on errors against Greece and now wants two wins

Poland coach Franciszek Smuda feels the co-hosts need to win their remaining group games after opening Euro 2012 with a 1-1 draw against Greece.

Smuda's side were the dominant force in the first half and were deservedly ahead on 17 minutes when reported Manchester United target Robert Lewandowski headed home.

Their prospects of starting the tournament with a victory appeared to increase before half-time when Greece's Sokratis Papastathopoulos was harshly sent off for a second bookable offence.

However, the 2004 European champions were gifted a route back into the game in the second half by Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who was at fault for the equaliser and was then dismissed for conceding a penalty.

Szczesny's replacement in goal Przemyslaw Tyton saved Giorgos Karagounis' spot-kick to ensure Poland did not slip to defeat in front of their own fans.

"We could see some of the players were paralysed by the pressure."
Franciszek Smuda Quotes of the week

Smuda was left to reflect on the mistakes which cost his team three points and is now targeting wins over Russia and the Czech Republic in their remaining Group A fixtures.

Fighting spirit

"A point is something," said Smuda. "Obviously we were guilty of committing several errors, especially their goal.

"But the first game of a tournament often finishes in a draw.

"At least we haven't lost. There are still two matches to go. We must win both.

"The players admittedly were under a lot of pressure but there was a lot of fighting spirit."

Smuda added: "Greece are a very experienced team and it is difficult to score against them. It was difficult when we lost the goalkeeper. The situation changed because of the red card.

"We played too much across and backwards in the second half. The Greeks had nothing to lose. They tried and they scored.

"We now have a few days and we will analyse the match and decide on the 11 for next time. We could see some of the players were paralysed by the pressure."