- What: 2nd round of EURO 2024, Group D, Poland vs Austria
- Where: Germany, Berlin
- When: June 21, 19:00 (local time - 18:00)
- Stadium: Olympiastadion (74,000 seats)
For both teams, today is the last chance to cling to a hope after synchronized defeats in the first round. Most importantly, a draw does not suit anyone in any form. Moreover, the Poles need to beware of rough play. In the first match, Poland had 0 yellow cards and 10 fouls, while Austria set a record with 5 yellow cards and 18 fouls.
Poland
They came close to holding a draw with the Dutch but ended with a 1-2 defeat. Despite the overall superiority of the more classy Netherlands, the Poles had their chances, and quite convincing ones. This was even without the injured Lewandowski and with the only recently recovered Świderski. The team has the right character and attitude.
Main statistics of the Poland vs Netherlands match: xG: 1.27 - 1.25, Possession: 34% - 66%, Shots: 12 - 21, Shots on target: 7 - 4, Accurate passes: 232 - 514, Passes in the final third: 82 - 199, Accuracy: 77% - 82%.
Austria
They simply "hacked" the French national team, and literally so. Eighteen fouls and five yellow cards, plus a broken nose for Mbappé in an aerial duel. There has been no rougher play in this EURO. In terms of play, things were not so brilliant, especially in attack, but they had a couple of chances. It’s also worth noting that the French only managed to win thanks to an own goal by Austrian Weber – they couldn’t score themselves.
Main statistics of the Austria vs France match: xG: 0.83 - 1.88, Possession: 52% - 48%, Shots: 6 - 14, Shots on target: 3 - 3, Accurate passes: 401 - 390, Passes in the final third: 137 - 108, Accuracy: 69% - 77%. It’s clear that the team knows how to find their chances and convert them into dangerous moments. They can be very tough and concede few goals.
Prediction
With both teams needing a win, Austria is more likely to use their strengths rationally. They have been more consistent throughout the qualifying cycle and improved as EURO approached. In this game, Poland may sorely miss Robert Lewandowski, unless he suddenly recovers.
Prediction xGscore: Austria Win
