Poland vs Austria prediction: EUROPE: Euro betting tips on match 2024-06-20 16:00.
[p]The two losing sides of Group Dâs opening matchday already find themselves close to âmust winâ territory and in an awkward situation where a draw may not suit either team. Poland and Austria were always considered the least likely teams to progress to the next stage ahead of their French and Dutch rivals, but with four best third-placed finishers advancing to the last 16, a win here would leave one side well placed.[/p]
[p]The 2-1 loss to the Netherlands in their group opener was MichaĆ Probierzâs first as Poland’s head coach (W6, D2) and the nationâs sixth from their last ten games at World or European Championship finals (W2, D2). There were still plenty of positives to take away such as the opening goal going to Adam Buksa, who deputised for the injured Robert Lewandowski, but Probierz hinted at the post-game press conference that 35-year-old Lewandowski âwill hopefully playâ this match in what would be a welcome boost.[/p]
[p]Austriaâs high pressing style under Ralf Rangnick has earned them great success during his tenure, and they should hold their heads high after an unfortunate own goal was the only difference between them and world number #2 ranked France (L 1-0). On paper, they now have easier assignments, meaning they should take confidence from that slender loss.[/p]
[p]Rangnick pointed to the teamâs long-term form, which includes losses only to France and Belgium from 17 games (W12, D3) since the end of the previous UEFA Nations League as proof that there have been improvements in his side. Given that Austria are also on a seven-game winning streak as pre-match favourites dating back to November 2022, perhaps expectations of them should be high as they seek to repeat, if not exceed, Euro 2020âs run to the Round of 16.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Karol Ćwiderski will hope to get a chance from the start, especially as seven of his last eight goals for Poland have been their first of the match. Austrian striker Michael Gregoritsch netted goals in three of the teamâs six qualification victories for this tournament and heâs never been on the losing side when scoring for the national side (W10, D3).[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Five of Austriaâs last seven European Championship games (including qualifiers) produced under 2.5 total goals. [/p]