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FRI 5pm - Poland v Greece - Preview / Match Thread

AFKABartramAFKABartram
edited June 2012 in Other Football and Sports
Poland v Greece - Friday 8th June, 5pm KO

FIFA Rankings: Poland 62, Greece 15

And so it begins !

The opening game to the Summer footballfest features two of the lesser nations, but both teams can post some excellent recent form. Greece have lost just one of their last 21 games, while Poland have lost just once in their last dozen outings. Despite this, they remain the lowest-ranked team in the competition.

Tactics

Fernando Santos is likely to set Greece out in their traditional 4-3-3 formation. ‘Workmanlike and effective’ would probably be best way to describe a side that wouldn’t be too dissimilar to many of the opposition Charlton will encounter in the Championship next season. Largely held together in the centre of midfield by the experienced Panathinaikos pairing of Katsouranis and Karagounis, Greece on paper appear to lack legs and width, so don’t be surprised to see a side who try to make themselves hard to beat and who focus heavily on free kicks and corners delivered by Karagounis.

Poland equally appear a similar side built on the emphasis of team ethic. With Arsenal’s Szczesny in goal, defensively they appear sound and have conceded very few goals in recent times. Adopting a 4-2-3-1 formation, much of their set-up also revolves around being difficult to beat. Down the right, Poland possess good quality with the Borussia Dortmund pair of Piszczek and Blaszczkoyski. Up front, everything is centred around the third Dortmund player, Lewandowski, and if Poland are to progress, they need this man in form and scoring goals.

Ones to watch: Lewandowski (Poland) Ninis (Greece)

Odds: Poland Evs, Draw 11/5 Greece 16/5 (PP)

Prediction:

There are risks that this opener could be an incredibly dull affair. Much will depend on how well the old guard of Greece perform, and whether Poland get a noticeable leg-up from being hosts. Greece lack flair and creativity, and if Poland go insular with fear of losing, this could well be a low-scoring snooze fest. If Poland start off with an opening win and appear comfortable playing in front of their home fans, they could be a surprise package in their group.

Poland to edge it 1-0

How do you see this one going, and who should we all be watching out for ?
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