New Delhi: Poland will play their second match of their UEFA Euro 2024 campaign against Austria at the Olympiastadion, Berlin (Friday, June 21). Both teams head to the game without a point to their name after suffering losses in their respective openers.
Poland started well in the opening match, taking the lead early on with a terrific header from Adam Buksa. It looked like Robert Lewandowski’s absence wouldn’t make much difference to the team. However, Austria fought back and eked out a 2-1 victory.
From the Polish point of view, the Netherlands were allowed 21 shots, with seven shots landing on target. With the defeat, Poland’s eight-match undefeated streak also came to an end. Every Polish Match Day 2 in the European Championships have ended in a draw, a jinx Poland will hope to end and earn all three points to give themselves the best possible chance of progression.
Austria had been undefeated in seven consecutive games until their loss to France. In the first half, Max Wober’s own goal ensured France took the lead before the break. Austria fought tooth and nail against the two-time Euro champions. But without a proper finisher upfront, the Austrians failed to find the net against Kylian Mbappe’s side.
Failing to collect a point in the opening game means the team will have to perform level best in the final two games. Austria also will try to defend their 46-year-old record of never having lost three consecutive games at a major tournament since the 1978 World Cup.
Team News
Poland manager Michal Probierz has indicated that Lewandowski is expected to be fit and available for their game against Austria, pointing out the importance of the Barcelona striker. He has, however, noted that whilst doctors have worked on the fitness of the injured players, a decision will only be made based on player appearance in training. Karol Swiderski also suffered an injury and is likely to miss the match.
Jakub Moder and Bartosz Slisz, though, are excellent midfield options. However, his appearance in the second half means the attacker may replace Kacper Urrz and may not want to change too much of the outfit that played the Netherlands.
Ralf Ragnick is also expected to keep his side mostly unchanged, except for the obvious change in Marko Arnautovic’s return to the final third. If Patrick Wimmer is played on the flank, Marcel Sabitzer will be used in-field. The backline is expected to remain the same unless there are fitness issues.
Head to Head
Poland have won six games and lost in three against Austria. They have both played two draw games. They have been unbeaten against Austria for almost two decades. If they can continue this streak, they will have an outside chance to feature in the knockout stage and advance further.
Predicted line up
Poland: Szczesny; Bednarek, Salamon, Kiwior; Frankowski, Szymanski, Romanczuk, Zielinski, Zalewski; Swiderski, Buksa
Austria: Pentz; Posch, Danso, Wober, Mwene; Seiwald, Grillitsch; Laimer, Baumgartner, Sabitzer; Arnautovic
When, where and how to watch the Poland vs Austria match in India?
The Poland vs Austria UEFA Euro 2024 match will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India. Live streaming of Euro 2024 will be available on SonyLIV app and website. The action begins at 12:30 am IST tonight.
Euro 2024: Poland and Austria both aim to secure their first points in the ongoing tournament in Germany. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
