Blaszczykowski: Euro 2012 opener like a small final for Poland

28-May-2012 3:37:00 PM

The Borussia Dortmund star has underlined the importance of the co-hosts' opening game against the Greeks, and is eager to start the tournament on a high

Borussia Dortmund star Jakub Blaszczykowski has insisted that Poland cannot afford to lose their Euro 2012 opener against Greece on June 8.

The attacking midfielder reasoned that defeat in their first game would mean their chances of surviving the group stage will have to depend on the results of their Group A rivals, and Blaszczykowski is determined to avoid such as scenario.

"The first match is the most important – it will practically be a small final for us," the 26-year-old midfielder stated to Uefa.com.

"We have played in championships a couple of times and lost the first game. It means you don't have your destiny completely in your own hands any more.

"We have to remember that, and make sure it doesn't happen."

The match between Poland and Greece takes place at the National Stadium in Warsaw, and kicks off at 18.00CET.

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