Poland Ties Russia, Capping a Violent Night WARSAW - Out of a night that started with malevolence between the Poles and the Russians in Warsaw, the crowd, and presumably a world of television viewers, were treated to by far the most exciting sporting contest of this tournament so far. Poland 1, Russia 1 was perhaps not what the home nation wanted, but it was, in the end, a just outcome to a game of thrilling endeavor, putting all the cut and thrust on the field of play rather than in the distraction around it. This, surely, is reason for which we can love sport, and excuse its excesses. Here was a host nation, obliged to play a neighbor who had done despicable things to it throughout history, on of all things Russian independence day. The 5,500 Russians who felt it appropriate - their right, they said - to march en bloc to the stadium from the central station walked into a blockade of Polish youths looking for trouble, and getting it from the riot police. But then, after the Russian supporters had unfurled a gigantic red flag declaring "This is Russia," and Polish fans had whistled down the Russian anthem, the purpose of this night was a game. And what a game. After the Czech Republic had beaten Greece earlier in the evening, Poland simply had to get a point at least out of this match to remain competitive in the Euro. Its attacks were born of that extra hunger, that necessity of having to score. Russia was calmer in possession, especially when its central midfield trio of Roman Shirokov, Igor Denisov and Konstantin Zyryanov were in possession. After 37 minutes of cut and thrust, it was Russia that scored with what clearly was a training ground rehearsed set piece. Andrey Arshavin swung over a free kick from the left, Shirokov distracted the Polish central defenders with a dummy run toward the ball, then ducked and allowed it to sail through for Alan Dzagoev to score with a flick of his head, a suspicion of his shoulder, from 10 meters, or about 30 feet. As that goal went in, Franciszek Smuda, Poland's coach, sank from his own shoulders on the side line. He reflected the host nation in that moment of despair. But someone found the right response, the spirit to rise again, in the locker room at half time. Poland started the second half as they had the first, the home crowd was in such voice that it stirred even the neutrals in this stadium. When the equalizer came, it was a goal of real beauty. Arshavin had attacked Poland down the left flank, but wasted his fine run with a woeful cross. From that instant, the Poles rushed forward like sprites. On the end of that race the length of the field was Jakub Blaszczykowski. Not for nothing is this man the leader of his country's team at a time of such historic importance. His cross had created a goal in the opening game against Greece, and now his movement, and his hammer of a shot, saved Poland in this event. He cut inside the full back, received the ball exactly where he wanted it, full in his stride. As he looked up, he saw the goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev take a stride off his line. Blaszczykowski scored the only way he possibly could - his curled his shot around the outstretched hands of the keeper, and neatly inside the furthest post. A classic goal on a fevered night. Neither side had won, but the game was a triumph over nationalism in the streets.