Poland just needed a draw to confirm their automatic qualification to knockout stages when they took on Ukraine in the final group game on Tuesday night. A very competitive first half saw both teams playing out a 0-0 draw. It took another 10 minutes into the second half for Poland to finally break the deadlock when Jakub Blaszczykowski scored Poland’s second goal of the tournament and first of today. Ukraine looked competitive but never looked threatening in final third.
Poland 1-0 Ukraine Highlights
[ European Championship 2016 ]
54′ 0 – 1 Jakub Blaszczykowski was put through on goal and his nice turn and a superb strike made it 1-0 for Poland.
Polish coach Adam Nawałka has been very upbeat about his teams chances and looking forward to the last group game which gives Poland a chance to qualify as group winners that can prove pivotal considering the teams they might be paired if they finish second of even third in the group. Ukraine are only playing for pride and we can expect whole list of chances in their starting lineup.
Team News & Lineups: Poland are one of the most improved teams in last decade but their neighbours Ukraine do hold a good head to head record if we looked at the past 5 meetings between the two sides. Poland has not beaten Ukraine in last 5 matches between the two and Adam Nawałka will be hoping to finally break the winless streak against what many polish people consider rival team.
Wojciech Szczesny is slight doubt having suffered bruising in his thigh while Poland might make several other changes with 5 of their players heading into the game with one yellow card away from suspension. While we can expect number of changes in Ukraine lineup.
