Sweden and Poland celebrated the composition of the group in the Eurocup draw. Chance wanted them to reach the last day after having played against the theoretically strongest rival (Spain) and against the weakest (Slovakia). That left this game as a golden opportunity to dispute the second place and even speculate with a draw that would be worth both. All that is wet paper. Football, as it usually happens, has dismantled the previous cabal (follow the meeting live on As.com).
The best situation is for the Swedes, leaders and in the absence of a point to seal the mathematical pass. That allows them to use Andersson's preferred (and often criticized at home) tactic: backtracking and quick exits. The situation in Poland also helps, which needs victory and which SousaCoach since January, he is trying to transform himself into a daring and offensive team. At the moment, with dubious results (a victory in seven games).
The precedents play in Sweden's favor: they have faced Poland 26 times with a balance of 14 wins, four draws and eight losses. In the last five games (four officials) they won. A statistic that gives morale although it does not serve to trust, because they had also imagined this match with Spain as the outstanding leader …
The match will be, above all, a scorers' duel: Lewandowski against Isak. Veterancy before youth. The Swede has made headlines after his display against Slovakia, but has yet to score. Today he has the opportunity to show himself before the best 'nine' of today, who comes in full after his decisive goal against Spain. The future of their selections will depend on the inspiration of both …
Keys
Lead: Quaison was decisive against Slovakia (he caused the penalty) and is expected to start with Isak. Berg, who is not fine, aims to start from the bench.
Krychowiak: He returns after serving a penalty for the red one he saw at the premiere. He has been widely criticized for that action, but his experience is key in the Polish midfield.
Defending: Poland have conceded a goal in six of Sousa's seven games. Improving their defensive strength is the great subject that they have pending.
Area: Lewandowski, as he showed against Spain, is lethal in the area. That is why Poland must try to bring it into play in the final meters and not in construction tasks.
Aces to follow
Forsberg: The goal he scored against Slovakia should give him confidence. His last pass unblocks even matches.
Zielinski: He has gone from less to more in the tournament and today he has a golden opportunity to claim.