Poland midfielder Eugen Polanski has called on his teammates to ‘do something special’ as they prepare to face Group A rivals Czech Republic in Wroclaw with both teams still able to snatch a place in the last eight.
The co-hosts secured draws against Greece and Russia in their first two games but require a victory against the Czech’s on Saturday evening to qualify for the quarter finals.
Head coach Franciszek Smuda has several injury concerns going into the game with Mainz star Polanski a doubt with a bruised knee but he is hopeful of playing in what he describes as the ‘most important game of his career’.
“We know that we can do something special for our fans and the country,” he said.
“This is the most important game in my career. This whole tournament is extremely important.
“All the preparation, all the training, four weeks of preparation, we are here for five weeks in total, and we want to demonstrate that we can give everything.
“If we give 100% of ourselves, we will win definitely tomorrow.”
Michal Bilek is also hopeful his side can make it to the knock-stage after overcoming their opening day hammering against Russia with a convincing win over Greece on Tuesday.
And the Czech coach insists he isn’t afraid of side being cast as the pantomime villains should they knock Poland out of Euro 2012 in their own backyard and only require a draw to sneak through.
“We want to go to the quarter-final,” he said.
“Right now, it’s one or the other and we will do our utmost to achieve this goal. Of course, we respect our opponent but we are not scared.
“We don’t want to say goodbye to the Euros and we want to go through.”
Team News
Damien Perquis and midfielder Dariusz Dudk are doubts for the game along with Polanski. Coach Smuda also has a decision to make over who will start in goal. Wojciech Szczesny is back from suspension but he may opt to keep faith with Przemyslaw Tyton.
Petr Cech came through training after suffering shoulder complaint in the win over Greece and will play but captain Tomas Rosicky could be forced out by an achilles injury.
Key Players
Jakub Blaszczykowski
Once again the captain was instrumental for Poland scoring a stunning equaliser against Russia and keeping his team-mates motivated and focused right to the very last. Another big performance Blaszczykowski is required on Tuesday if the co-hosts are to make it into the last eight.
Tomas Sivok
Despite enduring a torrid evening in the defeat against Russia the Besiktas defender turned in a much more solid display against Greece but will need to replicate that against Poland. It’s likely Sivok will tasked with quelling the goal threat of Robert Lewandowski and keeping the Czech’s organised at the back as they prepare for the Polish tide.
Match Prediction – 1-1
