Czech Republic v Poland Euro 2012 Preview & Tips

Czech Republic and Poland clash on the last day of the Euro 2012 group stages. The June 16 match starts at 19:45 GMT.

Teams News

Czech Republic

Two very early – specifically in the third and sixth minutes – Czech Republic goals against Greece last time out were providential as it catapulted them to the second spot of Group A. With one more game to go before the knockout stages, the Czechs will need just a point against the Poles provided that the Greeks don’t oust the Russians on the same matchday. That, or a win here and a draw for the Greece-Russia game should be more than enough; such scenario will crow Czech Republic as the top team from Group A going into the second phase of the tournament.

Vaclav Pilar’s sixth minute left-footed strike earned him his second goal of the tournament. The 23-year old midfielder is looking lively and deadly at the same time. Who would have thought that Michal Bilek’s youngest player will become his top scorer and lifeline giver? Against Poland Pilar will surely make the starting outfit, hoping that he adds up to his current goal tally to make it three in a row en route to the tournament’s golden boot award.

Poland

While Czech Republic saw a turnaround in their fortunes, Poland just can’t seem to get a break. They haven’t lost a game in Euro 2012 so far but can’t win one either. The draw against Russia puts them in a precarious situation as they now need to win against Czech Republic to make it through to the next phase. Anything less than a win will result to nothing for the co-hosts; many are starting to regret the draw against Greece as many consider the Greeks to be their easiest match-up in this group.

Robert Lewandowski couldn’t make it two games in a row when he failed to rattle the net against Russia; it was his Dortmund teammate instead who carried the load for the Poles. Jakub Blaszczykowski netted a crucial 57th minute scorcher to get on level terms against the Russians. The goal and the ensuing draw handed the Poles chance for salvation albeit a very thin one. Let’s see how the White Eagles handle the loads of pressure on their shoulders.

Polish goalkeeper Przemyslaw Tyton didn’t have the best of nights against Russia in their last outing so it’s good news to have Wojciech Szczesny back from suspension in this fixture.

Czech Republic v Poland Betting Preview

All Group A teams still have a chance of qualifying for the next round – in varying degrees though – and pending the Greece-Russia result, the team that wins here will have one foot in the knockout stages. Poland can’t seem to get their act together and although they look strong up front, they seem to be lacking that “finishing touch” to their game. Czech Republic meanwhile bounced back from their opening day loss to Russia big time; their -2 goal difference will not give them any sort of advantage should ties come up here so a win is the most convenient way for them to emerge from the group.

It’s quite difficult to decide on games between two teams that need to win desperately. Many will favour Czech Republic based on momentum, while co-hosts Poland will definitely have enough backing-up here as the home team. A draw is perhaps the fairest one of them (choices) all.

Betting Tip

Verdict: Poland and Czech Republic to draw, 2-2.

Tip: Poland has always been on the favourable side of the books ever since this tournament began; in this game, they are at 2.20 to win compared to Czech Republic’s 3.25. Thing is, we have been treated to surprising results so far in the tournament and a draw at 3.40 now smells like a steal. Consider both teams’ very unconvincing form as your most logical reasoning why a stalemate is very probable.

Vaclav Pilar proved that he can score goals so count on him to possibly sweep the group stages in terms of scoring. He is at 4.33 to score anytime. Lewandowski needs to step up in this game but its Jakub Blaszczykowski who should get your attention more than any other player. Blaszczykowski is at an endearing 4.00 to score anytime.

All odds are from Bet365.com (£200 FREE BET!).