Fundamental order: The Poles normally begin in a 3-4-2-1, which turns into extra like a 5-4-1 through the recreation.
Play towards the ball: Towards the Netherlands, who had way more possession of the ball and had been very dominant, Poland normally defended very deep. On the final line, Poland had a transparent protection with 5, because the very attacking Dutch defenders prevented the Polish rail gamers from taking part in extra offensively. Each 6s additionally acted very defensively. Listed nominal wings Sebastian Szymanski and Kacper Urbanski accomplished this second line of 4 in entrance of the protection. Solely Adam Buksa let himself fall again fully. For essentially the most half, he utilized solely gentle strain, permitting the Netherlands to have numerous possession. More often than not you’re taking the deep block with out pushing ahead aggressively. Poland has now introduced that she desires to place extra strain on Austria and go to battle. This means that the defenders ought to carry out a lot greater and the transition distance to the opponent’s objective must be stored shorter than within the earlier recreation. After Austria tried a number of occasions to get collectively by way of the middle towards France, Poland will attempt to consolidate the middle. Poland might have two strikers to assault Austria’s central defenders in a 1-1 draw.
Play with the ball: Poland had way more possession of the ball in qualifying in comparison with their different opponents within the European Championship. In distinction, that they had by far the fewest towards the Netherlands. When the Poles are in possession of the ball, they’ve very clear goal gamers and key figures within the closing recreation. Jan Bednarek and Jakub Kiwior normally take this position in protection and have a great build-up recreation. Nicola Zalewski is way more offensive on the left than her colleague Przemyslaw Frankowski. Nevertheless, he made a poor move within the opening recreation towards the Netherlands, which resulted in Cody Gakpo conceding a objective. Piotr Zielinski is Poland’s finest thinker, chief and footballer. He calls for balls, distributes them and places himself on the service of the staff. The Poles are extra predictable due to his over-loyalty, but additionally due to the staff’s dependence on his actions and closing passes.
Key gamers: Together with Robert Lewandowski, Wojciech Szczesny is essentially the most deserving and profitable participant on this staff. His presence and efficiency might be essential to Poland’s closing consequence. Bednarek is dynamic, has matured into a number one participant and brings solidity from his time in England. Zielinski, who performed for Napoli for eight years and is now shifting to Inter Milan, comes from the taking part in place, however now performs extra defensively. As talked about, the 30-year-old units the tempo within the Polish recreation. One of many Austrian ball chasers ought to pay particular consideration to him and never let him begin operating. With a powerful 150 worldwide video games and 82 targets, Lewandowski is a recognizable determine and a Polish legend. Since it is a do-or-die recreation towards Austria, I am certain he’ll be taking part in from the beginning. The 35-year-old will not be on the high of his recreation as he was two or three years in the past, however he nonetheless is aware of the place the objective is and simply wants a number of probabilities. Austria’s central defenders want a high efficiency towards him.
Conclusion: Since each groups begin with completely different tactical formations, the opposing parts are unlikely to cancel one another out. If the Austrian full-backs change their place whereas in possession of the ball and entice the Polish defenders on the wing, areas are created on the attacking wings the place the ÖFB staff can penetrate dangerously with deep runs and vertical play. Because the middle might be overloaded with numerous personnel from each nations, the center of the sphere can change rapidly and transfer as much as the second ball. Normal conditions is usually a decisive side of the sport. Austria generated essentially the most set items, however Poland scored the one objective in Group D. Whoever exhibits effectiveness on this space might win the decisive three factors.