WARSAW: UEFA has ordered that Poland and Russia be spared last Friday’s sauna conditions in the National Stadium and that the retractable roof be shifted open for the future games of Euro 2012, starting with the neighbours’  duel on Wednesday.

Polish media and officials haqd complained that the humid atmosphere in the stadium contributed to a poor second half performance by the co-hosts who had dominated Greece in the first half but had to be satisfied, in the end, with one point from a 1-1 draw.

Coach Franciszek said: “For sure it cost the players a lot in that sauna. I could feel on the bench that it was hot, the conditions were very difficult. I think for the Russian game (on Tuesday), the roof will be open.”

UEFA spokesman Robert Faulkner said the roof had been closed to protect Friday’s game and the tournament’s opening ceremony from a thunderstorm that flooded the area around the stadium two hours before kick off. He added: “The roof will be open for the remaining matches taking place in Warsaw unless there are exceptional weather circumstances.”

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