Russia’s 4-1 thrashing of the Czech Republic at Euro 2012 came easily, striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has told R-Sport.
Pavlyuchenko made an immediate impact after replacing the misfiring Alexander Kerzhakov on 73 minutes, setting up Alan Dzagoev for Russia’s third and adding the fourth himself with a spectacular strike from the edge of the area.
“Everything came easily,” the former Tottenham Hotspur striker said after Friday’s game.
“I think that today we were stronger and luckier.”
Russia was on form at both ends of the pitch, he said.
“In defense we played well, and in attack we were a united team, that’s why the result turned out this way.”
Russia will now play co-hosts Poland on Tuesday and Greece on June 16, with both games to be played at the National Stadium in Warsaw.
Pavlyuchenko joined Lokomotiv from Tottenham in the winter transfer window after three and a half seasons in London.
He has scored twice in nine games for Lokomotiv, who finished a disappointing seventh in the Russian Premier League, leading to the dismissal of coach Jose Couceiro.
