This evening we move onto Group C where Germany face
neighbours Poland. Elsewhere, Northern Ireland and Ukraine do battle to keep
their Euros hopes alive.
Ukraine
v Northern Ireland – Thursday, 5pm
Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland was left bitterly
disappointed after they succumbed to a narrow defeat against Poland. A feeling
they haven’t had in a while, following their recent 12-game unbeaten streak. Although,
they will take heart from the fact they kept Robert Lewandowski quiet for the
majority of the game.
But it is time to move on, and this is the fixture
they specifically targeted for 3 points coming into the tournament. The defence
will once again face a tough test, given the forward players Ukraine has at
their disposal. This is a Northern Ireland side looking for their first ever win
over Ukraine, and with that they may opt to provide Kyle Lafferty with support
up front, in the form of Conor Washington or Jamie Ward.
Ukraine didn’t perform badly against Germany at the
weekend, but they were wasteful. Several chances came and went, before
eventually being punished by a talented German outfit. The Ukrainians limited
the Germans to very few chances before the second, tie clinching goal. But a
worrying sign was that star men Yevhen Konoplyanka and Andriy Yarmolenko didn’t
really get a foothold in the game – something they will hope to change.
Manager, Mykhailo Fomenko will likely stick with his tried and tested 4-2-3-1
formation. Counterattacking will be where this team can profit.
Northern Ireland will go into this game with the hope
of containing this Ukranian side. They will need to make the most of their
opportunities from set-pieces and, if they can, try to create more opportunities
from open play. Ukraine’s task is simple. They always have various chances
throughout a game, all they need to do is put some of them away. Both of these
teams possess hard-tackling central midfielders, so expect a ferocious middle
of the park battle. The attacking prowess of Ukraine may just give them the
edge.
Prediction:
Ukraine to win 2-1
Germany
v Poland – Thursday, 8pm
Germany just about struggled over the line against
Ukraine on Sunday. They were out-played and out-thought for large portions of
the game, but the quality within this German side eventually shone through. A
key asset to winning trophies is, picking up big victories when you are not at
your best. The dynamic Thomas Müller never really got into the game; he was barely a threat in
front of goal. But overlook him at your peril.
At times the world champions
back four looked shaky. They gifted numerous chances to a Ukraine side lacking
purpose. With a man up top for the Polish widely known to this squad, in Robert
Lewandowki, the German defenders will be aware they have to step their game up.
In qualifying, Germany beat Poland 3-1 at home less than a year ago – that could
give them a psychological edge. Opening-scorer from Sunday’s match, Shkodran
Mustafi, may well be replaced in the line-up by composed centre-half, Mats Hummels.
After Poland’s win over
Northern Ireland, they relieved a little bit of pressure from themselves
heading into this game. A smartly finished effort from Arkadiusz Milik gave
Poland their first ever victory at the Euro finals – back-to-back wins would be
a dream come true. They have to improve, though. Poland needs to find a way of exercising
the attacking expertise they possess in this squad. And following their 2-0
defeat of Germany in qualifying, this team can take confidence from the fact
that they know they can hurt this opposition. Łukasz Fabiański will replace Wojciech
Szczęsny in goal, who is suffering from a thigh problem.
This is a fixture that promises
goals. Germany will, as always, look to control the game. Whereas, Poland go
into this match knowing that a point would be a very good result for them,
which may lead to a more cautious approach. It will be interesting to see if
either of the two club-mates Robert Lewandowski or Thomas Müller can impose
their undoubted ability on this game. Expect a fierce yet, expansive contest
from this one.
Prediction: Germany to win 2-1
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