Sports Mole previews Friday's European Championship clash between Poland and Austria, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
HALF-TIME UPDATE: POLAND 1-1 AUSTRIA
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Having generally impressed in defeat to France on Monday, it came as no surprise when Austria took a ninth-minute lead at the Olympiastadion.
Philipp Mwene's cross from the left was perfect for Gernot Trauner, who powered an unstoppable header inside the near post from close range.
Poland grew into the half as it progressed, Nicola Zalewski wasting a glorious opportunity at the back post as he blazed over from 15 yards out.
However, a deserved leveller arrived on 30 minutes after the ball fell fortuitously for Krzysztof Piątek who fired low into the bottom corner from close range.
At times, there was a back-and-forth nature to the game, both sides seizing opportunities to break forward in search of a third goal of the half.
Piotr Zielinski came close to putting Poland ahead with one of the final kicks of first 45 minutes, only for Patrick Pentz to get across to his left and palm away his effort.
HALF-TIME PREDICTION: POLAND 2-2 AUSTRIA
Match preview
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When Poland took the lead against Netherlands on Sunday through a terrific Adam Buksa header, it appeared that the absence of Robert Lewandowski would not cost them.
However, Michal Probierz's team had fortune on their side before they were ultimately pegged back by the half-hour mark, and Wout Weghorst's winner for Oranje was ultimately deserved.
There were still aspects of the performance that will satisfy Probierz, including having seven shots on target against high-calibre opposition, but they also allowed Netherlands to have 21 strikes in comparison.
As a result of their defeat, Poland have seen their eight-match undefeated streak come to an end, leaving Probierz with much to ponder ahead of the trip to the German capital.
Poland will be looking to avoid losing their opening two matches at a European Championship for the first time in their history.
Coincidentally, each of their previous four games which have been played on the second matchday of a group have always ended in draws.
While the return of Robert Lewandowski would represent a massive boost, the Eagles will have to find a way to repel what has quickly become a classy Austria side under Ralf Rangnick.
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Austria had been on their own lengthy unbeaten run before taking on France on Monday night, avoiding defeat in seven games in succession.
A first-half own goal from Max Wober ultimately saw that streak come to an end as France battled their way to a hard-earned triumph in Dusseldorf.
Kylian Mbappe's broken nose has dominated the headlines since then, taking away what was a spirited effort from Austria who kept Les Bleus concerned right until the final whistle.
Privately, Rangnick would have accepted that collecting a point would have been a bonus, the focus largely being placed on their closing two fixtures in the group.
From a historical perspective, these two nations have a hostile past, but their only two meetings for 16 years occurred in 2019, Poland winning an away Euro 2020 qualifier by a single goal before the reverse fixture ended goalless.
Meanwhile, Austria will be looking to extend a 46-year streak having not lost three successive matches at major tournaments since the 1978 World Cup.
Poland European Championship form:
- L
Poland form (all competitions):
- W
- W
- W
- W
- W
- L
Austria European Championship form:
- L
Austria form (all competitions):
- W
- W
- W
- W
- D
- L
Team News
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Probierz has indicated that Lewandowski should be fit and available for selection, backing the return of the Barcelona man to be pivotal.
Speaking to the media, he said: "There is a big difference if you have the best player in the world on the bench or you have him on the pitch.
"The medical team worked on the players until two in the morning. Practically all players will appear in training and a decision will be taken after that.
"I hope the decision is positive and I hope I can select him tomorrow."
Karol Swiderski was also an injury concern for the Netherlands game, but having made an appearance in the second half, the attacker may replace Kacper Urbanski.
Jakub Moder and Bartosz Slisz are both options to come into the midfield, although Probierz could be against making too many alterations.
Rangnick will also be wary of overly tinkering with his side, but Marko Arnautovic is an obvious option to return in the final third.
A place could be found for Patrick Wimmer on the flank, allowing Marcel Sabitzer to be used in-field, yet the backline may remain the same barring any fitness issues.
Poland possible starting lineup:
Szczesny; Bednarek, Salamon, Kiwior; Frankowski, Szymanski, Romanczuk, Zielinski, Zalewski; Swiderski, Buksa
Austria possible starting lineup:
Pentz; Posch, Danso, Wober, Mwene; Seiwald, Grillitsch; Laimer, Baumgartner, Sabitzer; Arnautovic
We say: Poland 1-1 Austria
With both nations having to find a balance being avoiding defeat and pushing for three points, we expect a tense affair to play out in Berlin. Austria could have the better of the contest, but if Lewandowski returns as expected, we anticipated him making an impact.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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