Poland coach Franciszek Smuda is counting on a mix of strong defence and fluid counter-attacking in their final Group A match today against a Czech team who will be wary about not falling for the same trick twice at Euro 2012.
Smuda plans to stick to his guns even though the Czechs may not take the bait after showing against Greece they were content to sit back following a stunning 4-1 loss to Russia, who soaked up early pressure before launching devastating counter-strikes.
“We do not need to (be more attacking),” Smuda said. “The Italians only defend and they seem able to win as well. Why shouldn’t we?”
Russia top the group with four points after a 1-1 draw with Poland ahead of the Czechs on three, Poland with two and Greece one.
Poland are also struggling with injury worries but not as severe as the Czechs, who are sweating over the fitness of captain and playmaker Tomas Rosicky.
The playmaker, whose creativity and passing skills fuel the Czech attack, injured his Achilles in the 2-1 win over Greece and said he could barely stand on Wednesday.
Team officials said Rosicky’s fitness was improving but he is still doubtful for today. The team received better news on Petr Cech’s sore shoulder when the goalkeeper said he would be ready to play.
“I will be fine,” Cech said yesterday. “The only question mark is about Rosicky.”
Referee
Craig Thomson (Scotland)
Substitutes from:
Drobny, Lastuvka, Hubnik, Rajtoral, Suchy, Kolar, Petrzela, Darida, Pekhart, Rezek,Lafata, Necid.
Coach: Michal Bilek
Substitutes from:
Szczesny, Sandomierski, Wawrzyniak, Kaminski, Wojtkowiak, Grosicki, Matuszczyk, Obraniak, Rybus, Wolski, Brozek, Sobiech.
Coach: Frantisek Smuda
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