(16 Jun 2012) Greek and Russian football fans were expected to be out in full force on the streets of the Polish capital on Saturday ahead of their final group match at the Euro 2012 championships.
Quarter-final places will be at stake when Russia face Greece at the National Stadium in Warsaw on Saturday night.
Currently leading the Group A standings after a 4-1 win over the Czech Republic and a 1-1 draw with Poland, Russia only need to avoid defeat to seal a place in the last eight for a second UEFA European Championship in succession.
"It's an important match and of course we can win it, we must win it," said one Russian fan as he prepared for the big match.
Poland authorities are braced for outbreaks of more football hooligan violence after recent clashes between Polish and Russian fans at the European Championship.
"The match is very important and our fans can be a little bit nervous. I think that Polish policemen must be ready," said a Russian fan on Saturday.
The Russia football federation has appealed to its fans to show restraint and follow the UEFA rules of conduct.
More than 20,000 Russians are expected to be in Warsaw.
There are fears that some of them could end up in street brawls with Poles.
Russian fans attacked stadium stewards at their team's first Euro 2012 match, on June 8 in Wroclaw.
That prompted UEFA to fine the Russian football federation 120-thousand euros (150-thousand US dollars).
Greek fans have also got more than just the football on their mind, with the distraction of another looming election in the country.
Greeks are to cast their ballots on Sunday for the second time in six weeks, after May 6 elections left no party with enough seats in Parliament to form a government and coalition talks collapsed.
Depending on the outcome of Sunday's election, Greece could be forced out of the European joint currency, with potentially catastrophic consequences for the global economy.
"I voted in the last elections, and there's so much corruption going on. I am looking forward to seeing the results. We need the drachma back. Bring it back," said one fan as he prepared for the match in Warsaw.
Many will be hoping the Greek teams can take their mind off the financial crisis with a win and possible qualification to the tournament's next round.
The omens aren't good for Greece however - they've been beaten by Russia in the last two Euros, although they still went on to win the tournament in 2004.


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