Alan Dzagoev scored a goal in each half in Russia's masterful display of attacking soccer to beat the Czech Republic 4-1 in their European Championship Group A opener Friday.
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Dzagoev and Roman Shirokov gave Russia a 2-0 halftime lead before Vaclav Pilar in the 52nd minute gae the Czechs brief hopesof a comeback.
Dzagoev replied with his second in the 80th minute, and substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko added a fourth in the 82nd.
Russia, a surprise semi- finalist four years ago, showed it has the potential to go even further in Poland and Ukraine.
If Euro 2012's opening 1-1 draw between Poland and Greece had more drama than quality, the second group match was a feast of offensive soccer.
