Euro 2012
2012-06-16 - Poland vs Czech Republic
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: Euro 2012 Group A
Saturday 16 June 2012 - Kick Off 7:45pm
This game is live on TV
Preview
It all comes down to the final game of the group stage for one of the co-hosts as Poland need to win their first ever game at the European Championships if they are to make the Quarter Finals. On the other hand, the Czech Republic are aware that a draw would almost certainly get them through behind Russia, just as long as the Russians do not lose to Greece in the other game to be played at the same time.
Poland have actually played pretty well for the most part in this tournament and they may feel a little unlucky that they did not pick up the win against Russia in the last game. They have played a high tempo game so it is no surprise that there have been lapses in their play during games although they have to defend better when they come.
It is during those lapses that I think Poland have conceded their goals, especially when they ran out of steam against the Greeks in the first game of the tournament. However, they continue to pick up a second, and sometimes third, wind as they are roared on by their passionate home support and that will be the case again tonight.
I considered the Czech Republic to be the worst team in the tournament before it began, although I have reconsidered that position after watching the Republic of Ireland's performances. However, they were very poor in their opening game against Russia when disposed of 4-1, while their win over Greece came courtesy of a blistering opening 15 minutes when they had already scored twice.
The Czechs looked a little nervous after they gifted Greece a way back into that game and I am not convinced with the way they go about their defending. They will also be acutely aware that a draw will not be any good if Greece beat Russia as their 4-1 defeat to the Russians will likely come back to haunt them unless Greece score a massive win over them in the other group game.
Both managers have spoken about being confident that their side can secure the win that would see them through to the Quarter Finals. Both also have injuries to worry about ahead of the game.
Poland could be missing Damien Perquis, Dariusz Dudka and Eugen Polanski after all suffered knocks against Russia. All three will need a fitness test to determine their availability for this critical game, while Wojciech Sczcesny is back from suspension although it is unclear whether he will be given back the gloves for this game.
The Czech Republic have a major concern over influential Tomas Rosicky and it remains uncertain whether he will be able to start this match.
Head to Head
These teams actually last met in the World Cup qualifying campaign for South Africa and both won their home games in that group.
Poland beat the Czech Republic 2-1 at home and they also beat them 2-0 at home in a friendly back in 2008.
The Poles have won all 3 home games against the Czech Republic since they have split from Slovakia and they have scored 2 goals in each of those wins.
Prediction
This looks like it could develop into a very entertaining game on Saturday night as neither team is likely to sit back in the early stages and look to secure the win that will guarantee them a place in the last eight of the tournament.
An early goal is also likely to open the game up even further and so I do believe we will see a few goals in this one.
I also favour Poland to secure their first win at the European Championships as I think they have a little more quality going forward than the Czech Republic. Poland have created a lot of chances in their first two games and could conceivably have won both, while the Czech Republic do look vulnerable at the back.
Poland too look vulnerable as their high tempo game means their concentration levels and energy does have a tendency to dip at times during games and that could be when the Czech Republic strike. However, I don't believe the Czechs can consistently cause problems as I believe they have only had around 20 minutes of really threatening attacking play in the competition so far.
With that in mind, I think taking Poland to win this game and at least 3 goals being scored looks the way forward. No team has kept a clean sheet in this group so far and I favour Poland to win the game so that looks a decent shout at 4.00 offered at Ladbrokes.
Two of Poland's last three wins over the Czech Republic have been 2-1 scorelines, and that will suit me fine again tonight.
The Pick :
Poland 2-1 Czech Republic
