Post by Monica-Webmaster on Oct 11, 2008 15:39:10 GMT
WCQ Preview: Poland ¡V Czech Republic
What: World Cup Qualifier, South Africa 2010, Matchday 3, Group 3
Who: Poland v Czech Republic
When: Saturday 11 October, 20.30 CET
Where: Slaski Stadium, Poland
Top Of The Pile
Poland go into the game against the Czech Republic top of the group, yet without really putting in a convincing performance as yet.
A 1-1 draw with Slovenia saw them pick up a point on the opening day before a 2-0 win over San Marino gave the Poles their first victory.
However, the win against San Marino was secured despite a listless performance and San Marino pushed Beenhakker¡¦s men all the way.
Indeed, it took a penalty save from Lukasz Fabianski to prevent San Marino taking the lead in the game before Euzebiusz Smolarek opened the scoring and Robert Lewandowski sealed the victory with a debut goal.
After the game, defender Mariusz Jop admitted his side¡¦s performance had been substandard and that they must improve ahead of the fixture with the Czech Republic.
Slow Start
The Czechs, meanwhile, have picked up only a solitary point so far, however they have only played one game and a victory over Poland would ensure they are level on points with Beenhakker¡¦s men yet with a game in hand.
However, like the Poles the Czech Republic are yet to show any kind of form in the group. They solitary fixture was a dismal opening day goalless draw with Northern Ireland which did little to inspire the fans.
Whilst the Irish were delighted with the points Petra Rada will have been disappointed to have dropped points and will demand an improvement from his side.
Head-To-Head
Certainly the Czechs should arrive in Poland with confidence as they possess a good record against the Poles, 12 wins to Poland¡¦s 5, whilst the two sides have shared four draws each.
However, on current form both sides are looking a little shaky. The Czechs have no wins in their last four games, the last victory coming at the beginning of June when a narrow 1-0 win over Switzerland in Euro 2008 sealed the points.
Poland, meanwhile, are faring little better, their victory against San Marino is their only win in their last five games and with both sides struggling, a win for either side would be a vital confidence boost and put them in the driving seat in the group.
FORM GUIDE
Poland
10/09 (World Cup 2010 Qualifier): San Marino 0-2 Poland
06/09 (World Cup 2010 Qualifier): Poland 1-1 Slovenia
16/06 (Euro 2008): Poland 0-1 Croatia
12/06 (Euro 2008): Austria 1-1 Poland
08/06 (Euro 2008): Germany 2-0 Poland
Czech Republic
10/09 (World Cup 2010 Qualifier): Northern Ireland 0-0 Czech Republic
20/08 (Friendly): England 2-2 Czech Republic
15/06 (Euro 2008): Turkey 3-2 Czech Republic
11/06 (Euro 2008): Czech Republic 1-3 Portugal
07/06 (Euro 2008): Switzerland 0-1 Czech Republic
TEAM NEWS
Poland
Team news to follow
Probable Team: Fabianski, Piszczek, Lewandow, Jop, Kowalczyk, Roger, Blaszczykov, Zewalakow, Smolarek, Saganowski
Czech Republic
Tomas Rosicky is still missing but other than that Petr Rada has a full squad to pick from.
Probable Team: Cech, Jankulovski, Rozehnal, Ujfalusi, Grygera, Sionko, Kovac, Polak, Sirl, Plasil, Baros
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Poland - Euzebiusz Smolarek
With goals in short supply for the Poles, Bennhakker may look to Ebi Smolarek for inspiration.
The Racing Santander man moved to Bolton Wanderers on loan over the summer but has yet to really spark into life in the Premier League, featuring in two Bolton defeats so far, albeit to Arsenal and Manchester United.
However, the 27-year-old opened the scoring against San Marino in the last round to ease the pressure somewhat and he could be the danger man again on Saturday.
Czech Republic ¡V Tomas Ujfalusi
The Czech defender¡¦s last club outing was nothing short of a disaster. He played an integral part in Barcelona¡¦s 6-1 demolition of Atletico Madrid in La Liga, giving away a penalty, being frequently caught out of position and generally having a nightmare.
Yet the display was a little uncharacteristic as Ujaflusi had made a bright start to life in Madrid. It will be interesting to see how he recovers from the mauling.
PREDICTION
Both teams are searching for form somewhat but are likely to find themselves at the top of the group towards the end of the campaign.
Whilst the Czechs should go into the match as slight favourites, their recent form is not good and Poland will hope to take advantage.
Although Rada¡¦s men possess a good record against Poland, it is likely to be a tight game and a draw looks likely.
Poland 1-1 Czech Republic
What: World Cup Qualifier, South Africa 2010, Matchday 3, Group 3
Who: Poland v Czech Republic
When: Saturday 11 October, 20.30 CET
Where: Slaski Stadium, Poland
Top Of The Pile
Poland go into the game against the Czech Republic top of the group, yet without really putting in a convincing performance as yet.
A 1-1 draw with Slovenia saw them pick up a point on the opening day before a 2-0 win over San Marino gave the Poles their first victory.
However, the win against San Marino was secured despite a listless performance and San Marino pushed Beenhakker¡¦s men all the way.
Indeed, it took a penalty save from Lukasz Fabianski to prevent San Marino taking the lead in the game before Euzebiusz Smolarek opened the scoring and Robert Lewandowski sealed the victory with a debut goal.
After the game, defender Mariusz Jop admitted his side¡¦s performance had been substandard and that they must improve ahead of the fixture with the Czech Republic.
Slow Start
The Czechs, meanwhile, have picked up only a solitary point so far, however they have only played one game and a victory over Poland would ensure they are level on points with Beenhakker¡¦s men yet with a game in hand.
However, like the Poles the Czech Republic are yet to show any kind of form in the group. They solitary fixture was a dismal opening day goalless draw with Northern Ireland which did little to inspire the fans.
Whilst the Irish were delighted with the points Petra Rada will have been disappointed to have dropped points and will demand an improvement from his side.
Head-To-Head
Certainly the Czechs should arrive in Poland with confidence as they possess a good record against the Poles, 12 wins to Poland¡¦s 5, whilst the two sides have shared four draws each.
However, on current form both sides are looking a little shaky. The Czechs have no wins in their last four games, the last victory coming at the beginning of June when a narrow 1-0 win over Switzerland in Euro 2008 sealed the points.
Poland, meanwhile, are faring little better, their victory against San Marino is their only win in their last five games and with both sides struggling, a win for either side would be a vital confidence boost and put them in the driving seat in the group.
FORM GUIDE
Poland
10/09 (World Cup 2010 Qualifier): San Marino 0-2 Poland
06/09 (World Cup 2010 Qualifier): Poland 1-1 Slovenia
16/06 (Euro 2008): Poland 0-1 Croatia
12/06 (Euro 2008): Austria 1-1 Poland
08/06 (Euro 2008): Germany 2-0 Poland
Czech Republic
10/09 (World Cup 2010 Qualifier): Northern Ireland 0-0 Czech Republic
20/08 (Friendly): England 2-2 Czech Republic
15/06 (Euro 2008): Turkey 3-2 Czech Republic
11/06 (Euro 2008): Czech Republic 1-3 Portugal
07/06 (Euro 2008): Switzerland 0-1 Czech Republic
TEAM NEWS
Poland
Team news to follow
Probable Team: Fabianski, Piszczek, Lewandow, Jop, Kowalczyk, Roger, Blaszczykov, Zewalakow, Smolarek, Saganowski
Czech Republic
Tomas Rosicky is still missing but other than that Petr Rada has a full squad to pick from.
Probable Team: Cech, Jankulovski, Rozehnal, Ujfalusi, Grygera, Sionko, Kovac, Polak, Sirl, Plasil, Baros
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Poland - Euzebiusz Smolarek
With goals in short supply for the Poles, Bennhakker may look to Ebi Smolarek for inspiration.
The Racing Santander man moved to Bolton Wanderers on loan over the summer but has yet to really spark into life in the Premier League, featuring in two Bolton defeats so far, albeit to Arsenal and Manchester United.
However, the 27-year-old opened the scoring against San Marino in the last round to ease the pressure somewhat and he could be the danger man again on Saturday.
Czech Republic ¡V Tomas Ujfalusi
The Czech defender¡¦s last club outing was nothing short of a disaster. He played an integral part in Barcelona¡¦s 6-1 demolition of Atletico Madrid in La Liga, giving away a penalty, being frequently caught out of position and generally having a nightmare.
Yet the display was a little uncharacteristic as Ujaflusi had made a bright start to life in Madrid. It will be interesting to see how he recovers from the mauling.
PREDICTION
Both teams are searching for form somewhat but are likely to find themselves at the top of the group towards the end of the campaign.
Whilst the Czechs should go into the match as slight favourites, their recent form is not good and Poland will hope to take advantage.
Although Rada¡¦s men possess a good record against Poland, it is likely to be a tight game and a draw looks likely.
Poland 1-1 Czech Republic
