EURO 2016 preview: Poland v Portugal
Time: 20:00 GMT
Location: Stade Velodrome, Marseille
Coverage: ITV 1 - 19:15 GMT
After three days of rest from Euro 2016, knockout football returns with the first quarter-final of the championships. Adam Nawałka’s Poland were first to qualify for the last eight after defeating Switzerland on penalties and they would need to defeat Fernando Santos’ Portugal – who defeated Croatia late in extra-time – to secure a place in the semi-finals.
Team News
Poland:
Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny will remain on the side lines in Marseille as he continues to struggle with a thigh injury.
That injury means that Łukasz Fabiański looks set to continue in goal, with the Swansea goalkeeper in for the fourth straight match after Szczęsny has failed to feature since his side’s tournament opener against Northern Ireland on June 12.
Manager Nawałka will however be boosted by the return of Bartosz Kapustka – who was man of the match against Michael O’Neill’s side – as the talented midfielder returns from suspension.
Portugal:
Portugal boss Santos could have the luxury of a full 23-man squad to choose from for the opening quarter-final of the championships.
Raphaël Guerreiro filled in exceptionally well at wing back during Portugal’s last 16 triumph over Croatia and the 22 year-old – who plays his club football in France with Lorient - looks to have recovered from a minor muscular injury ahead of their clash with Poland.
After an illustrious club career, Cristiano Ronaldo is still looking for a first major trophy with Portugal.
Midfielder André Gomes also looks set to return after he was replaced by Renato Sanches with what looked to be a similar injury in that same fixture.
The key men
Poland:
There is little doubt as to which player will worry Santos and his Portugal side ahead of this intriguing quarter-final tie.
Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski enjoyed a fruitful qualification campaign which saw him finish as the continent’s top scorer with 13 goals – four more than second-placed Thomas Müller (9) - from just ten matches.
The Polish captain has however endured a rather disappointing tournament to date, having failed to score in any of his side’s opening four matches.
Lewandowski’s lack of form has not been an major issue however, with wide man Jakub Błaszczykowski scoring in successive matches and the promising Ajax midfielder Arkadiusz Milik creating ample opportunities for his team mates from the ‘number ten’ role, as well as grabbing the winner against the Northern Irish on match day one.
At the other end, a stern defence that is marshalled by the likes of Łukasz Piszczek and Kamil Glik has helped Nawałka’s team to remain solid at the back, and they had conceded just once en route to the final eight.
Portugal:
Piszczek, Glik and co. would be full of confidence after their fine performances to this stage in the competition.
Polish defender Kamil Glik will be crucial if his side are to prevent Cristiano Ronaldo from scoring in Marseille.
However, after keeping out Germany’s frightening attack, the Polish backline would need to produce a similar display to stop Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo from scoring his third of the competition.
Arguably the greatest player in the world, Ronaldo has started to find form at the championships, and the 31 year-old’s two goals against Hungary on match day three almost single-handedly saved his nation from the humiliation of an early exit from Euro 2016.
Alongside Ronaldo, Portugal rely on strike partner and vice-captain Nani to score them the goals that they often require to outscore their opposition, and the former Manchester United player would be full of confidence after earning his 100th cap in the last round.
A battle of styles
Poland had reached the quarter-finals on the basis of a solid defensive foundation that had facilitated their attacking players’ brief of finding a decisive goal.
The White Eagles had scored three times on their way to the last eight, whilst conceding just one goal – a wonder strike from Swiss star Xherdan Shaqiri – and they would fancy their chances of nicking at least a goal against a Portuguese defence that has looked less than assured as so far in the competition.
Portugal on the other hand found the net four times during their three group matches – including in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Hungary on match day three – but failed to secure their first victory as goalkeeper Rui Patrício was beaten on the same number of occasions.
Santos replaced veteran central defender Ricardo Carvalho with Southampton star José Fonte during the Croatia match, and it was a move that will almost certainly be repeated after he and Pepe teamed up well on their way to earning a deserved clean sheet.
For Poland to triumph, they will be reliant upon Lewandowski rewarding his more defensive minded teammates for their exceptional work so far in the competition.
Whereas for their opponents, success will come from finding the right balance between staying strong at the back and providing attacking stars Ronaldo and Nani with the type of service they will require to break down a staunch Polish side.
Prediction
Poland 1-1 Portugal. Portugal to win on penalties.
