Euro 2012: Day nine as it happened

Right, that is all for tonight's live text coverage of Euro 2012. Be sure to join me again tomorrow for the aforementioned Group B climax, in which Denmark play Germany and Portugal face the Netherlands. In keeping with what is already a belting tournament, it is surely going to be unmissable. I'll see thee.

As Group A winners, the Czech Republic will face the runners-up of Group B. Greece will face Group B's winners. With Group B as undecided as Group A was before kick-off tonight, it could be any of Germany, Portugal, Denmark and the Netherlands going through to face the Czechs or the Greeks. It all adds up to this simple conclusion: you simply must not miss tomorrow's action.

Russia coach Dick Advocaat on his team's defeat to Greece: "We didn't put away our chances but I don't think it's fair to say that we didn't play well.

"We were undefeated for 16 games. We should have won today,that wasn't the case and that is football. All compliments to Greece."

Greece captain Giorgos Karagounis: "The moment is pure magic for all of us.

"It is something important for Greece for all Greeks. We said we would give it all, despite all the difficulties. We scored at exactly the moment we needed to. Now it is time to celebrate.

"I thank God for letting us celebrate such moments. We did not give up. We can compare this to our cherished moments in Portugal in 2004."

Well, it would appear that is the end of the road for Poland coach Franciszek Smuda. His contract expires at the end of Euro 2012, which for his side is now. "This is 100% the end of the road. My contract runs out at the end of Euro 2012. Thanks guys," a visibly upset Smuda has told Poland's public TVP broadcaster.

I think you'll want to re-watch tonight's games. I'm so sure you will that I'm going to direct you to where they are on our site. Unsurprisingly, they are on the Euro 2012 and Football index. So, if you want to see Greece's shock win over Russia or the Czech Republic edging past co-hosts Poland, head over there now.

Ultimately, though, we must praise both the Czech Republic and Greece. They have defied the odds and earned their place in the quarter-finals with wins over favoured sides. The Czechs have finally shown their ability, while the Greeks also illustrate just how far organisation and determination can take a side. England can draw inspiration.

Russia's players, coaches and fans will spend many an hour wondering quite how they have not made the quarter-finals. They impressed everyone with their 4-1 opening victory over the Czech Republic, in which they utterly outclassed a side who are in quarter-finals ahead of them. They have failed to delivery after that, though, and today's defeat to Greece is made all the more galling to them for the fact they had most of the possession and ceated more chances.

Looking it at the table for Group A, it might confuse some of you as to why Greece have gone through and not Russia considering that the latter have a better goal difference overall. The reason for this is that when teams are level on points, it becomes a "mini-league" within the group featuring only those teams level on points. As Greece beat Russia 1-0 they win the mini-league.

It is a sad end to the tournament for co-hosts Poland, who brought so much noise, colour and exciting football (not to mention a big flag) to Euro 2012. They leave this event without a win to their name, meaning they have still yet to experience victory at a European Championships. They've got another four years of waiting to stew on that.

MOTD pundit Clarence Seedorf: "It would been great for the home fans to go through in the tournament. But Czech Republic had more quality."

As you would imagine, the Greece players' reaction to the final whistle in Warsaw was somewhere between ecstacy and utter madness. Giorgos Karagounis hasn't calmed down since that penalty wasn't given in the second half and he leads the charge of his side on to the pitch. Now where have we seen such unconfined joy from the Greeks after overturning expectation before?

What an amazing, frantic, unexpected night. But then this is Euro 2012 and we're getting used to this sort of activity. Very few people would have seen Czech Republic and Greece going through out of this group. Every stat, fact and instinct told us that Russia would definitely be heading to the quarters, and it was likely that co-hosts Poland would be joining them. But as I said near the start of this text commentary, the way this has turned out is the reason we love football. To quote Sir Alex Ferguson, "football eh..." You know the rest.

Meanwhile, we are deep into injury time in Warsaw. Greece holding on...

Wow! Drama at the end of the game in Wroclaw. Poland's Jakub Blaszczykowski's shot from outside the box on the right is destined for the goal until Jan Razek's header diverts the ball behind. That could be the last action...

What a massive save from Greek keeper Michalis Sifakis. A long ball forward from Russia breaks for Roman Pavlyuchenko but his goalbound shot is palmed away by the keeper. The keeper could well have just helped his side through.

It is all Russia now in Warsaw. Igor Denisov hangs a cross deep to the back post where three Russian players are waiting. Roman Shirokov meets it with a header but it is into the ground and easy for Michalis Sifakis. Soon after, a long ball forward is also claimed by the Greek keeper, but he is charged by Shirokov, sparking a bit of handbags. Emotions are understandably running very high.

Poland have a chance now, though. Robert Lewandowski rises to meet a right-wing cross in the box but it is headed behind by a Czech defender. The corner is cleared and the Czechs run it away. A foul by Damien Perquis, that earns him a booking, eats up more precious time. Poland need two goals. They have four minutes of added time to get them.

Meanwhile, with two minutes left in Wroclaw, Poland don't look like getting anything. The Czechs look the more likely to double their lead.

Greece looking to eat away time in Warsaw. Kostas Katsouranis is down following a trip from a Russian player. He is strethcered off, but doesn't need to be and is quickly up and back into the action. Still, that has taken up a good minute and Russia now have just three and a bit left to save themselves.

Oh! Russia go agonisingly close. Andrey Arshavin's cross from the right is met by Alan Dzagoev but his glancing header goes just inches past the far post. The tournament's joint top-scorer holds his head in his hands. That was a great chance. How many more will his side get to save their tournament?

Greece have a chance to put themselves out of sight as a cross from Dimitris Salpingidis from the right goes across the six-yard box but between both the Russia keeper and a Greek forward and his marker. Russian hopes remain. They need to do something quickly, though. 10 minutes to go.

Russia now with a renewed impetus in attack. Andrey Arshavin looks to release Igor Denisov with a pass from the edge of the box but it is cut out by a Greek defender before being cleared. Meanwhile, in Wroclaw, the Czech's have a corner, which Robert Lewandowski heads clear at the near post. The Poles break straight down the other end and force a corner of their own. Petr Cech comes out to punch clear before Lukasz Piszczek hammers in a shot from 22 yards that Czech goalscorer Petr Jiracek takes on the forehead. He requires a bit of treatment before returning to the game.

As it stands, the Czech Republic are going through as group winners and Greece will be joining them. Who would have predicted that before these games. Not me, that is for sure. What have Russia and Poland got in the tank to change the picture?

Of course, it could be said that justice has been served with regard to Giorgos Karagounis, who could have given a penalty away himself for a first-half push on Roman Shirokov.

Milan Baros has a sight of goal for the Czechs. He cuts inside a Poland defender and fires a shot from 25 yards but it is too close to Przemyslaw Tyton, who saves.

Meanwhile, in Wroclaw both sides are pushing but neither are getting anywhere. Both are a goal away from qualification. But currently they are both going out.

That has to be a penalty for Greece! Giorgos Karagounis goes on a purposeful run into the Russian box and falls under a challenge from Sergeo Ignashevich, but instead of pointing to the spot referee Fernando Santos books the Greek player for diving. Karagounis is absolutely apopleptic. He runs to the touchline, he sneers, he snarls, and finally looks like he is going to cry. Alright mate, calm down.

Greece almost double their lead as Vassilis Torossidis skips in down the right byline, nutmegging a Russian defender in the process, before crossing for Fanis Gekas in the six-yard box. However, Aleksandr Anyukov gets in to hack the ball up and behind for a corner.

An hour gone and as it stands Russia will be going through as winners of the group, with Giorgos Karagounis's goal meaning Greece will be joining them. That almost changes, though, as Russia's Igor Denisov flashes a long-range shot just wide of goal.

Roman Pavlyuchenko has a sighter after joining the action for this second half. It is a poor shot, though, and slices well wide of goal. Russia will need to do better. They will hope they do, as will Poland and the Czech Republic.

In Wroclaw, the Czechs have come to life, understandably. Poland can't get hold of the ball at the moment. Theodor Gebre Selassie flashes a cross right along the face of goal, but no team-mate gambles. Soon after, David Limbersky fires a shot from 12 yards into the side-netting.

Greece's Giorgos Samaras is up and running at pace. He shoots at goal from 25 yards but drgas his shot harmlessly wide. Again, no judgement.

Giorgos Samaras takes a sliding tackle on the ankle from Aleksandr Anyukov and drops to the turf. I make no judgement, but hopefully we're not going to see Greece wasting time for 45 minutes here.

Poland's first forray forward sees Jakub Blaszczykowski swing over a free-kick from the right that beats everyone and goes out for a goal-kick.

The Czech Republic show renewed attacking vigour from the off. However, Milan Baros is unable to get a cross over from the left. It promises to be a great game now in Wroclaw, with two teams both desperate for a goal.

Right, this promises to be an absolutely engrossing, tense, nervous second half. You do not want to miss it. The teams are heading back out in both Wroclaw and Warsaw.

That goal has changed the dynamics in Group A, leaving Russia and Greece going through. Those two and the Czech's all have four points, but Russia's 4-1 win over the Czechs means the goal difference is weighted against Michal Bilek's side. It means the Czech's cannot sit back now in the second half in Wroclaw, while Poland will be even more desperate for a goal.

Everton boss David Moyes on BBC One: "The opening 15 minutes or so, Poland had two or three terrific opportunities. But as the game wore on the Czechs have come right back into things."

AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf on BBC One: "The Czechs have come back into the game, but the Polish deserve a goal they have created so much."

We are into the final minute of the half in both Wroclaw and Warsaw. Plenty of chances in both games, but none of them taken. Group A remains delicately poised, with Russia and the Czech Republic going through. that can all change in a heartbeat, though.

Poland hit back. Robert Lewandowski tees up Rafal Murawski but his shot is deflected wide. The corner is half-cleared before Lukasz Piszczek blazes well, well over from range. It remains 0-0, as it does in Warsaw.

Russia come forward again in Warsaw and Yuri Zhirkov is inches from the opening goal with a shot from the edge of the area on the left that curls over the bar. Meanwhile, in Wroclaw, Vaclav Pilar dances into the box and shoots low for the Czech Republic but the Polish keeper gets down low to save.

Another Czech chance, during what is turning out to be a good little spell for them. Jaroslav Plasil slips as he strikes from 25 yards, and it takes a deflection, but Przemyslaw Tyton is well-placed to clutch the ball to his chest.

Russia midfielder Roman Shirokov believes he should have had a penalty for a push by Giorgos Karagounis and, despite his appeals receiving little joy, he had a case.

Now that was a chance for the Czech Republic. Milan Baros is clear of the Poland defence having broken the offside trap but he is unable to control David Limbersky's lofted pass and Polish keeper Przemyslaw Tyton gathers gratefully.

A rare Czech attacking move sees Theodor Gebre Selassie charge into the Polish half. The full-back has been the Czech's only real outlet so far, but his low cross is too close to a home defender, who hammers the ball to safety.

Russia still edging the play in Warsaw. Playmaker Andrey Arshavin sends in a low cross for Aleksandr Kerzakhov and it takes a vital interception from Kyriakos Papadopoulos to stop the striker having a simple tap-in.

The few forays by the Czechs into Polish territory are not bearing fruit, largely because they are refusing to commit too heavily. It is not really surprising. As it stands, a draw will see them through.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have got a real storm on our hands in Wroclaw. There are some very wet folk on the first few rows. Meanwhile, in Warsaw it is just fine and dandy thanks very much.

Loud whistles as the Czech Republic come forward. Poland defend well, though, and then hit quickly on the break. Jakub Blaszczykowski drives forward but a tackle from a Czech defender means the best the Pole can do is deflect the ball harmlessly into Petr Cech's arms. O-oh, a massing clap of thunder has just hammered out over Wroclaw to join what is pretty heavy rain.

Poland are completely dominant in Wroclaw. Even the defenders are getting in on the act. Sebastian Boenisch shoots from long range but it goes just wide. Soon after, Robert Lewandowski gets his head to a cross but it lacks the pace and direction to beat Petr Cech. Just over 20 minutes gone and as it stands Russia and the Czech Republic are going through. No wonder Poland are pouring forward.

Alan Dzagoev is the tournament's joint top-scorer at the moment, but the Russian was never going to add to his tally of three with that long-range effort, which gets a small deflection and is straightforward for Michalis Sifakis to dive and save.

Russia are settling into their groove and Yuri Zhirkov charges forward into the box on the left. His pull-back is inviting but cut out by a Greek defender for a corner. The Greeks cope well with the corner, heading away at the near post.

Aleksandr Kerzakhov produces a sweet strike on the half volley for Russia and agonisingly sees his shot from the edge of the box curl the wrong side of the post. Russia are hitting back after early Greece pressure.

Poland again as Eugen Polanski shoots from 20 yards, but it is just over the bar. Poland are having plenty of opportunites, but they may regret spurning so many. Score when you're on top.

Former Wolves manager Mick McCarthy on BBC One: "I really expected Lewandowski to hit the target there. He just got a little nudge, a little push on his arm. You could argue that it was good defending but he has to hit the target there, especially having done so well so far in this tournament. I expect more from him."

The Czech's are struggling to keep control in Wroclaw. Another Poland free-kick is swung over Ludovic Obraniak and Michal Kadlec heads clear, but only as far as Sebastian Boenisch, whose shot is just wide of goal from 12 yards.

Another Greece corner causes concern for the Russians and Vassilis Torossidis has a shot blocked away by a defender. Russia heed the warning and Andrey Arshavin steals in to get on the end of a cross but his shot is too close to keeper Michalis Sifakis, who saves.

Big chance for Poland's Robert Lewandowski, who has a sight of goal just inside the box after being given the ball by a neat pass. The Polish talisman slices his shot wide of goal, though. Poland making all the running. The Czech's look happy to try and contain, which they are struggling to do.

More pressure from Poland in Wroclaw sees Jakub Blaszczykowski (a player I don't want to see involved too often, purely for the sake of spelling) run into the box on the left, but his shot from an angle is blocked by Petr Cech, who had come off his line quickly.

Busy start in Wroclaw, but a bit quieter in Warsaw. Greece are on the front foot, though. They force the game's first corner. Giorgos Karagounis's delivery is met by Kostas Katsouranis' flicked shot at the near post, which is in turn palmed away by Petr Cech. Meanwhile, back in Wroclaw, Ludovic Braniak's free-kick from 25 yards goes just wide of goal.

Big chance for the Czech's as Thedor Gebre Selassie gets in a cross from the right and finds Vaclav Pilar in acres of space in the box but he totally fluffs his shot and it flies some distance away from the goal.

Poland have the first chance as well. A free-kick from Ludovic Obraniak is met by Robert Lewandowski and his header falls for Dariusz Dudka to overhead kick the ball into the side-netting. Great effort from the midfielder.

Plenty of noise in Wroclaw greets Poland's first touch of the ball. That old cliche about a 12th man could come into play for the co-hosts.

They weren't kidding, that Poland flag is big. Take that Russia. Good holding aloft of scarves by the home crowd as well. They are up for this.

Just to give you an idea of how Euro 2012 has mobilised the Poles, nearly half of the country's 38m population tuned into the 1-1 draw with Russia. That is a record for Polish TV. I imagine that will be beaten tonight, especially if they count all those people watching the big screen in Wroclaw as TV viewers.

Russia's stats for the tournament are far superior to their opponent's. The Russians have five goals from 10 shots on target out of a total of 24 efforts in total. Greece's two goals from seven efforts on target out of 14 in total pales in comparison. But football is adored across the globe for the very reason that a team like Greece can upset the odds and win tonight. Stranger things happened. Greece winning and then winning and then winning some more in 2004 for example.

Former Wolves manager Mick McCarthy on BBC One: "Tonight, they (Poland) have to go for it. No regrets. They have got to try and go and win the game, they have been better when they have gone for it. They should have beaten Russia in the second half.

"The worst thing you can do is try and work something out and be clever. You just have to go for it, because if you don't you will regret it for ever."

Greece have taken just one point in the competition so far, courtesy of a 1-1 draw against co-hosts Poland. They conceded twice in the first six minutes during a 2-1 loss against the Czech Republic. Russia also drew 1-1 with the Poles, but their 4-1 win against the Czechs in their first game mean they lead the group as it stands. Personally, I can't see anything but a Russian win.

Those aerial shots of the gathered crowds were from Wroclaw. You may have just seen it on BBC One. Told you it was rammed. To a man (and woman) the Poles are having fun, though. Wait until they see the queue for the toilet.

We're seeing aerial shots of a square in Poland. This is a guess, but I'm assuming it is Warsaw. Anyway, it is absolutely rammed with home fans. I do not fancy their chances of getting to the bar at half-time.

In contrast, Russia are 16 matches unbeaten (won eight, drawn eight) since a 1-0 friendly defeat to Iran in February 2011. They have conceded just four times in their last 13 games. The Russians have scored from five of their seven shots on targets so far at Euro 2012. Like Ivan Drago, whatever they hit, they destroy!

Greece's own personal recent history does not bode well, either. They have scored just one goal in each of their past seven matches (winning just once) and they have not won any of their past five Euro matches since winning the tournament in 2004. That is some hangover.

The other game is heavily-weighted in favour of a Russian win. Greece have only beaten Russia once in the past 10 meetings between the two nations and the Russians are on for a Euro hat-trick tonight, having beaten Greece in the group stages of both Euro 2008 and Euro 2004. It all points to a Greece exit. But then people said that before just about every game of Euro 2004 and that worked out pretty well for the Greeks. And don't forget that they've got groove and they've got meaning.

According to the official stats from Uefa, these two are pretty evenly matched on the evidence of their displays so far in the tournament. The Czechs have scored three goals to Poland's two, had 24 attempts to 28, both had 13 on target and forced nine corners to eight. Hopefully, the Poland fans will reel in that banner sharpish before kick-off because they won't want to miss this one.

In case you needed reminding, Poland have drawn both games so far 1-1, against Greece and Russia respectively, while the Czechs bounced back from their opening 4-1 defeat to Russia by scoring twice in the first six minutes to beat Greece 2-1.

As far as what each need tonight; only a win will do, which means one of them is going home* empty-handed.

*Or staying home empty-handed if it's Poland.

Polish fans (with their big flag) will be hoping their side can give them plenty to cheer about tonight as they take on the Czech Republic. The five previous meetings between the sides all ended in home wins - Poland claiming three victories and the Czech Republic two. Good news for the Poles.

OK, enough about last night, let's start focusing on tonight's action. It is all about Group A, and four teams who can all qualify for the knock-out stages but only two of which will.

Let's not go forgetting that there was another game yesterday. Although, there nearly wasn't. In case you missed it, you might want to have a look at the video on our site of the storm that halted proceedings between Ukraine and France for about an hour. The pitch was wetter than the Titanic's tea towels but somehow the ground staff got it back in shape. They might have wished they hadn't after France beat the co-hosts 2-0.

Sweden coach Erik Hamden is a far more humble soul than his star striker. He was quick to appropriate blame for his side's loss last night. "I am the coach, and I pick the team. I feel really bad for the players because they played a really good match but went out," said Hamren. "The operation went well but the patient died. That is how I feel." There's nothing like a medical metaphor to hammer your point home.

Say what you want about Zlatan Ibrahimovic... no, seriously, he won't be reading. No, say what you want about Zlatan but he doesn't do concession. He is adamant that Sweden were the better sides last night and didn't deserve to lose. His international team-mate Seb Larsson agrees. I think Zlatan was also a bit miffed that he was only the second-best player on the pitch with a ponytail last night.

Everton boss David Moyes on BBC Radio 5 live: "For me watching the tournament, it is the players that we know who are shining. The Andres Iniesta's, Xabi Alonso's, Mario Gomez's. I don't think there is anybody at the moment who the scouts do not know about. You are always looking at young players [but] I don't know who we would buy anyway.

"I tipped Netherlands to win the tournament! I thought Germany would struggle because they have so many of Bayern's players who lost in the Champions League final. I think the teams who start the tournament well aren't the ones who go on to win it. I think Portugal have looked good. With the midfield they have got I think they have got a chance."

We're getting our first shots of the Czech players out on the pitch in Wroclaw's Municipal Stadium. These being footballers there are some mighty big earphones on show. A few of them are filming via their mobile phones. Look out on YouTube for "Milan Baros sneezes lol" in coming days. The Czech's have gone polo shirt, while the Poles are suited and booted. The co-hosts win the fashion war if nothing else.

BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Alastair Bruce Ball in Warsaw: "The one thing that counts against Greece is that Russia know that a win will see them finish top of the group. That means they will probably avoid Germany and play their quarter-final in Warsaw where they are based and will have played twice."

So did Hodgson pass his second competitive test as England boss last night? Dave Richards certainly thinks so, as does our chief football writer Phil McNulty.

"Hodgson will be judged on the impact and results of his big calls and he could not have done much better both in acting on a tactical theory and reacting when it threatened to go wrong," says Phil.

In addition, he did some fine leaping around on the touchline both when his team conceded and scored. Not quite Martin O'Neill but still fine.

Potentially no Rosicky tonight for the Czech Republic. A big blow indeed if true. The midfielder was in cracking form during the second half of last season for Arsenal. A transformed player. Mighty fine news for Poland, though.

BBC Radio 5 live commentator John Murray in Wroclaw: "Group A is beautifully poised. Not only can all four teams qualify but all four have a chance of going through as group winners, that is how close it is.

"One thing I must point out is regarding Tomas Rosicky. The Czech people here inside the ground tell me that they do not expect Rosicky to be fit to play tonight. He is clearly a very important figure in the Czech side."

Kfresh on Twitter: "I had a dream,Walcott scored a hatrick in the next game, and Rooney 1, all assist from the Ox, Hodgson did a dance."

Lovely stuff. I had a dream last night that I had a perfectly round bald patch on the back of my head that was caused by a big plastic stick-on label. I'm going to assume it means Rooney will score against Ukraine.

"It's amazing, from my point of view I've never seen anything like it before. The way they all want to work for one another, and the comradeship behind the scenes is quite unbelievable. I think it's down to Roy Hodgson, I really do. He's brought something a little bit different, he's very progressive in his way and he speaks to the lads. Yes, he's got that little bit of a Midas Touch."

High praise indeed for Roy from chairman of The FA's international committee Dave Richards. Remember, though, he is not the messiah, he's just a very good football manager.

You want pundits on England? Then pundits on England is exactly what you are going to get. Messrs Hansen, Dixon and Shearer have cast their expert eye on Hodgson's men and put into words their thoughts. We've turned those words into writing and you can read them on the BBC Sport website.

Here's a snippet from each...

Hansen: "England had a 20 minute period when they were as bad as you could believe but it is to their credit that they came back to win the game."

Dixon: "They were really disjointed, giving two bad goals away, and there did not look any way back for them, but the spirit was fantastic to get back into the match."

Shearer: "We are going to need heart from the players because we are not good enough at keeping the football."

As we have been doing every evening during the tournament so far, we did a tactical analysis of a specific aspect of yesterday's action. I say "we" but I played no part in writing it. You'll be able to tell by its eloquence and detail. You won't be surprised to see it is focused on how Walcott changed England. My answer: a lot. You see, that's why they didn't ask me to write it.

Walcott may have made a notable impact on last night's game, but let us not forget there was a whole England team playing alongside him. They deserve ratings as well. Just as well that BBC commentator Guy Mowbray has done just that. So if you want to know what Andy Carroll's salmon-like leap and header earned him, what Welbeck's flick was worth or what John Terry and Joleon Lescott might have been deducted for having a kip at the start of the second half have a read.

Anyway, as I was saying, last night England beat Sweden 3-2. And one of the main reasons for this was the inspired introduction of Theo Walcott as a second-half substitute. Sweden were winning 2-1 at the time but a Theo goal and an assist later, England held what turned out to be a decisive lead. Manager Roy Hodgson was full of praise for the Arsenal winger. And so he should be as well.

P.s. If anyone can remember Theo having a shot from outside the box before please let me know, because I can't remember one off the top of my head.

As Jack says, tonight Poland fans will be unfurling a huge banner in Wroclaw in support of their country and in hope of spurring them on against the Czech Republic. The reason for this is basically all down to a game of 'my flag is bigger than your flag' oneupmanship with the Russians, who unfurled one of the largest banners of Euro 2012 or any other tournament during the early stages of their 1-1 draw with the Poles on Tuesday. It simply read: "This is Russia."

Upon seeing it spread across the national stadium in Warsaw, Poland's leading radio commentator issued a call to arms. "Tailors," Tomasz Zimoch said to his listeners. "We need needles, we need thread, we need material."

For the past three days 30 seamstresses have been working round the clock to produce the flag, at a cost of around £15,000 and tonight will be its debut.

I'm hoping that it reads: "No, this is Poland".

So, back to last night. And what a night it was. We had rain and then sun, we had goals, we had tension and trauma and, finally, we had ecstasy. Just your standard England match then. If you want to read all about it, you can check out the report on this very site. This also has all the highlights, meaning you can relive Andy Carroll's towering header, Theo Walcott's swerving shot and Danny Welbeck's cheeky back-heel, the young scamp. You might want to fast forward past the first 10 minutes of the second half, though.

Both matches tonight are in Poland - in Wroclaw and Warsaw - and I'm happy to report that it is pretty mild. No suggestions that apocalyptic levels of rain will be interrupting proceedings. So that's nice.

Permutations, permutations, permutations. Not the most successful Channel 4 programme ever. However, they are everywhere you look today (and for the next three days). Here is the situation with regards to Group A. I'm going to keep this as simple as I can to save us all from venturing foolishly into an inescapable labyrinth of info. Basically...

Russia - will be through with a draw, and could even afford a defeat by fewer than six goals if the other game finishes level. Only a win will guarantee them top spot, without depending on the outcome of the other game.

Greece - will be through with a win, and out with a draw or loss.

Czech Republic - will go through with a win. They could even afford to draw unless Greece beat Russia by at least five goals.

Poland - will be through with a win, and out with a draw or loss.

Greater detail on this group and the other three is available on this very website.

After yesterday's weather-related madness in Donetsk, which saw the Ukraine v France game delayed by about an hour because of thunder and lightning and a ridiculous amount of rainfall, I have a question: considering that Uefa stipulate that final group games are played concurrently, in the interests of fairness, if one of the matches is postponed because of rain, does that mean the other would have to be stopped as well? The angel on one shoulder hopes we don't find out. The guy on the other shoulder with the trident, however, is bang up for such mad shenanigans.

I have to say, you outdid yourselves yesterday with tweets and texts that veered from the funny to the genius. All I ask is that you raise yourselves again and make this text commentary all it can be with a similar level of wisdom and wit. I'll be standing on the shoulders of giants (that's you). So how do you think this group is going to pan out? Are Russia nailed on for the knock-outs? Will the co-hosts soar or tumble? Are the Czechs checking out? And can Greece give some of the folks back home something to smile about? You can tweet using the hashtag #bbcfootball and text us on 81111 (UK). Make sure you put FOOTBALL and your name on the texts, though.

Yes, tonight sees the conclusion of Group A; one of the two groups in which all four teams are still alive in the tournament. In roughly four and a bit hours time there will be cheers and tears in equal measure. But which pair from Greece, Russia, Czech Republic and Poland will be leaping into the air in delight and which duo will be crumpling to the ground in despair? It's Euro 2012, beyond thunderdome: four teams enter, two teams leave.

It is the afternoon after the morning after the night before. Hopefully, you've all recovered from another traumatic England foray into major international championship football. Still, all's well that ends well, regardless of how much hair you lose in the process.

What we need now is a nice, quiet, calm affair to allow us to recover sufficiently. Instead, in keeping with the madcap nature of Euro 2012, we've got a four-way scramble for qualification from Group A, featuring the co-hosts, two of their eastern European rivals and a country who could leave the Euros and the Euro in the same week. As Championship Manager to reclusive boys are we to the football gods, they play with us for their sport.