Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
With Ukraine already out of the tournament the focus in this game will be on whether Poland can do enough to assure their spot in the Round of 16. The clash between the two Euro 2012 co-hosts has been hotly anticipated for matters more of the pitch in terms of potential fan violence but that’s not to say that matters on the pitch will be an exhibition game.
Poland drew a blank against World Champions Germany on Thursday night and arguably will feel that they should have won the game against their local rivals, Arkadiusz Milik’s wayward finishing was the reason Poland didn’t come away with all three points. Had he added to his goal against Northern Ireland then it would be Poland sitting top of the group right now
Also spare a thought for Robert Lewandowski for many pundits and punters they had him as their choice for the tournament’s Golden Boot, well if that is to be the case then he will have to find his shooting boots tonight. The Bayern Munich hitman has failed to find the target so far and will be hoping he can finally open his account the Ukraine
As for Ukraine, they were unlucky to lose 2-0 to Germany in their opening encounter but they were certainly not unlucky in losing 2-0 to Northern Ireland in their next match up. Those two defeats have consequently seen them be the first side to be knocked out of the tournament with a game to spare. It may be a dead rubber but they would still love to get one other Adam Nawalka’s side
It’s been a disappointing tournament for players such as Yehven Konoplyanka and Andriy Yarmolenko. The latter not really putting himself in the shop window if he is to harbour desires of moving to a top European club once the tournament has ended. Can they finish with a flourish this evening?
Unfortunately for them I can’t see that being the case and from what we’ve seen from these two sides opening brace of group games you would certainly make Poland the favourites. I can’t see the form book being thrown out the window and Poland will secure the place in the Round of 16 while the Ukraine will go home without registering a point.
