Saturday 5pm - Poland v Czech Republic – Preview/match thread
FIFA Rankings
Czech Republic – 27
Poland – 62
All eyes turn to the conclusion of group A, which could leave Greece fans gnawing their knuckles and hoping for a draw should they themselves gain a surprise victory over group leaders Russia.
Poland have drawn both their last two group games and that will be enough to see them through if the Russians do their part and keep Greece bottom, however the Czech Republic will be looking to instead break the mini draw trend by causing a defeat and sentencing the Polish to be neutrals for the rest of the tournament.
Tactics/Team news
Poland are expected to be fiercely pushing for a win but will have to wary of the energy and speed this Czech side possesses and will look to utilize the recent striking form of Lewandowski to fire them through to the QF’s.
Poland will need a very determined performance to overcome the Czechs and, unlike previous games, will need to keep that determination level high for 90+ minutes as any lapse in concentration is likely to bear severe punishment.
They will be relying on their main players, such as Piszczek, Blaszczykowski and Robert Lewandowski, to perform among a mostly average side.
Szczesny returns from suspension although he may miss out after a less than convincing performance against Greece.
The Czechs showed a positive attacking performance and grabbed two very early goals which was vital to their win (cough told ya so ;0) cough) but look set to lose Thomas Rosicky due to injury which could affect their attacking play and disrupt previous fluidity in attacking moves.
Defensive midfielder Hubschman provided a better balance to the side which will be vital in this crucial crunch game.
Milan Baros hasn’t performed aswell as expected so threats from the wings should continue to be the Czechs main output in attack.
One to watch
Blaszczykowski – The Polish winger will be looking to get behind the Czech defence and help provide service for Lewandowski.
Hubschman – Will be hoping to strengthen the spine of the Czech side and provide a strong foundation for the team to move forward in front of a passionate home crowd.
Prediction
An exciting end to end game with both sides possessing effective looking attacking outlets but Poland standing strong with just a little bit more grit, determination and the will of the crowd behind them.
Poland 3 – 2 Czech Republic
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Comments
I bought you for £50!
Lewendowski to score anytime ( 2-1 Betfair )
Both teams to score ( 8-11 Betfair)
A point will not take Poland into the next round! A point will see Poland eliminated from the tournament.
Lewandowski/Czech 40/1
They were shite against Russia, and weren't exactly great shakes against Poland or Greece, yet they've managed to top this group. Shows how lax the Russians were against Greece, they threw it away tonight