Euro 2016 – What We Learned – Ukraine 0 Poland 1

Euro 2016 – What We Learned – Ukraine 0 Poland 1

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Poland claimed all three points in their final group game against Ukraine despite being the second best team for most of the game. Jakub Blaszczykowski scored the only goal of the game after coming on for the start of the second half. The Fiorentina man netted his first goal of the tournament after a well worked corner saw the the 30-year-old remain calm in the 18-yard area before releasing a thumping effort with his left foot.

Adam Nawałka’s side played on the back foot for most of the game as the Ukrainians chased a consolation goal to bring an end to a disappointing tournament. They exit the competition without any points or goals to their name.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Germany’s win against Northern Ireland in the other game by the same scoreline, meant that both Poland and the Germans finish level on seven points, with Joachim Löw’s side topping the group on goal difference. It brought an end to a cagey group that only saw seven goals scored, while there was also a clean sheet kept in every game.

Here are some of the major talking points to come out of the match: 

Poland take on the Swiss in the knockout phase

The Poles will now face Switzerland in the knockout phase after both teams finished second in the respective groups.

Adam Nawałka’s team have been well below par this tournament and have yet to really put the foot on the gas. There is no doubt that they have approached their games with caution, scoring only two goals so far. However,  the White Eagles have been much more impressive defensively and are yet to let in a goal.

The Ukrainians threatened in the final third but found it extremely difficult to penetrate a solid Polish back four. The knockout phase will certainly see them play with more attacking intent but they will need their defence to stay strong against a dangerous Swiss attack.

Spirited performance from Ukraine

Mykhaylo Fomenko’s side put in a spirited performance against Poland but failed to produce any finishing touches on an otherwise dominant display. They enjoyed majority of the possession and undoubtedly played the better football, only to hit a brick wall in the final third.

Fomenko’s team only showed glimpses of what they are capable of in this tournament and will be utterly disappointed to be heading back home in such manner. Their 2-0 defeat against debutants Northern Ireland is one of the most shocking results in the competition so far, summing up their tournament.

They can only just hold their heads up high after exiting the competition with a decent performance against the Poles.

Poland lacking firepower

Having only scored two goals in Euro 2016, Poland will be itching to get back to their usual free-scoring selves. Adam Nawałka’s side have not replicated their attacking form that they displayed in qualifying with their reserved approach. Robert Lewandowski is down on form and yet to score a goal, while his striking partner Arkadiusz Milik has just a solitary goal to his name with both men have been playing much deeper and usually on the counter-attack.

NORTHERN IRELAND 0 GERMANY 1

Blaszczykowski and Grosicki came on in the second half against Ukraine and did change the pace of the game, providing the White Eagles much more width and pace. They will need all the attacking talent to fire if they are to break down Switzerland in what surely will be an intriguing encounter.

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