PREVIEW: Euro 2008 Group B, Austria v Poland

Austria

vs

Poland

Thursday, June 12th, 2045 CET
Vienna (Austria) - Travel to Vienna (Austria)

THE BIG PICTURE

Both of these teams need wins if they want to have a decent shot at advancing, because Germany and Croatia, despite not playing to potential, have looked the stronger of the teams here. Austria played their hearts out, but it was just clear the quality is lacking. Poland, though, could just have been a victim of the Germans and come through as real contenders to make it into the second round.

Austria

Three Key Players:
Sbeastian Prodl - If Germany’s defense looked shaky against Poland, it may be just that the Polish attack is pretty good. One of Austria’s best talents is in central defense, so he’ll need to shine.
Martin Harnik - The team was not devoid of desire, but they lack the skill and ability. He’s got it, they’ll him to show some more.
Roman Kienast - Very impressive in his short, and somewhat unexpected, stint against Croatia, he may be the key to Austria’s attacking needs.

Austria squad
Austria Team Profile

Team News: Roland Linz tore ligaments in his ankle but “doesn’t see a problem” with playing in the Poland game. Talk about manning up. Doesn’t mean he’ll get the chance, though.

Visit j at the Austria Euro 2008 Team Blog for more.

Buy Austria team gear here.

Poland

Three Key Players:
Roger Guerreiroski - Showed a good deal of skill after his inclusion from the bench. Perhaps a full 90 will be enough to execute on the offensive end.
Mariusz Lewndowski - His status is up in the air with an ankle injury, which makes him all the more key. They don’t really have another defensive mid of his class to step in, and he’s integral to the side.
Jacek Bak - The new captain with Zurawski out, they’ll need his experience in the back now - and especially so in the event that Lewandowski can’t play in front of him.

Poland
Poland Team Profile

Team News: Maciej Zurawski is out for the next two games, but may be available to play in the groups, while Mariusz Lewandowski is iffy with an ankle injury. Poland is just getting nailed by the injury bug.

Visit Tomasz at the Poland Euro 2008 Team Blog for more.

BIG BATTLES

Austrian Front vs Artur Boruc Boruc was very good against Germany, and the Poles were simply outmatched. Austria, on the other hand, are not nearly to the level of their northern neighbors, and showed an inability to find ways to put the ball in the net. It gets no easier against Artur.

Umit Korkmaz vs Jacek Krzynówek Both are fast, skilled left wingers. Jacek is the old standby and a fixture in the starting XI, but . Umit is young and only has 3 caps to his name, but really impressed against Croatia. Two who can have a great impact on the game…who will?

Poland vs Austria’s Home Field Advantage Leo Beenhakker said it best: “Many times in tournaments we’ve seen the host team playing at a much higher level based on the atmosphere around the team and among the people.”

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LIVEBLOG

Follow the Austria vs Poland LiveBlog here.