[Dead Fingers]

Everyone is more than welcome to participate in this thread, though trolling/insults from any point of view are not welcome and will be dealt with infractions/bans.



Game is on Thursday 12.06.08

[Marbur66]

I certainly hope Poland can win this game, hopefully by more than 1 goal. That being said, Poland often plays up or down to their opponent, so I wouldn't rule out an emberrasing 2-0 win for Austria.

[RibbyBollywood]

Originally Posted by Marbur66

I certainly hope Poland can win this game, hopefully by more than 1 goal. That being said, Poland often plays up or down to their opponent, so I wouldn't rule out an emberrasing 2-0 win for Austria.

Austria won the hearts of a lot of people with their play yesterday, I will be sitting back and fully respecting them. On paper, this game looks much like Austria's best chance to get points.

Also, perhaps after the opening round of games of the past two days, there may be more solid officiating and the atmosphere will have calmed down.

Leo gambled some yesterday and I don't begrudge him, because I think his attitude and coaching is what will help Poland succeed if they do: and if they don't, they did very well getting here. Up until the seventieth minute yesterday, I almost thought, if Poland scores, they will get another. There was an element of attacking; not containing like the game 2 years ago.

Lastly, one last note on officiating, both teams better be careful to pick up yellows and mainly red cards.

If Poland wins and Croatia does not, that sets up some last game for these two teams.

I don't think Poland will play down to their opponents, even in losing, they played an exciting brand of soccer and did not just sit back. They challenged and Germany had to win that game. I think, with Leo, Poland's embarrassments of the last two World Cups are behind them. If Austria wins, they will have to deserve it like Germany.

ZZ, Zidane just visited Poland, http://www.polskieradio.pl/thenews/sport/?id=84174 : hope that can rub off on the team.

[marek]

things could be worse for Poland

in the last two WC the second game for Poland was always against the group favorites and always after losing the first match

this time (true to form) we lost the first match, but got the game against the favorites out of the way as well

the remaing two games will be hard (Austria being hosts negates somewhat their status as a 'weak' team)

regardless of what happens the game in Vienna will see the biggest influx of Poles into that city since 1683! :-)

[nekkibasara]

Originally Posted by marek

regardless of what happens the game in Vienna will see the biggest influx of Poles into that city since 1683! :-)

Lol awesome job on the historical reference there. Too bad Turkey isn't in our group to make it even more poignant.

[Marbur66]

Poland captain Maciej Zurawski is injured and will not participate in the remaining group stage matches, according to uefa.com. I'm personally not overly concerned about that, since I've never been a fan of his. We know that at least one change will have to be made in the starting line-up against Austria.

[marek]

Originally Posted by nekkibasara

Lol awesome job on the historical reference there. Too bad Turkey isn't in our group to make it even more poignant.

if you wanna continue along that road then we can say that the Poles and the Germans came to Vienna together and that parts of Croatia were then ruled by the Ottoman Empire (but i do not want to suggest that our Croatian brothers were in any way allied or supporting the Turks)

so everybody in the group can be thrown into this little historical exercise

[marek]

Originally Posted by Marbur66

Poland captain Maciej Zurawski is injured and will not participate in the remaining group stage matches, according to uefa.com. I'm personally not overly concerned about that, since I've never been a fan of his. We know that at least one change will have to be made in the starting line-up against Austria.

agreed

i'm more concerned with Lewandowski's injury, he's much more important to the team then Zurawski

[nekkibasara]

Zurawski's injury could be a blessing in disguise if it forces Beenhaker to play Guerro from the start. He was extremely dangerous when he came in, and he gave Germany's defense a lot of trouble.

I don't think Austria has the pace or quality in defense to stay with him.

[Marbur66]

Originally Posted by nekkibasara

Zurawski's injury could be a blessing in disguise if it forces Beenhaker to play Guerro from the start. He was extremely dangerous when he came in, and he gave Germany's defense a lot of trouble.

I don't think Austria has the pace or quality in defense to stay with him.

I completely agree. Roger's creativity gave Poland a boost against the German defence, so he should be even more effective against Austria. Apparently, Beenhakker is expected to start Marek Saganowski in Zurawski's place though....