Ukraine and Poland travel to Marseille in a match which has very different meanings for both sides heading into the final group stage match.
The Ukrainians have already booked their ticket home, with consecutive 2-0 losses in the opening two group games against Germany and Northern Ireland and will be hoping to end their tournament positively, they will be playing for pride.
For Poland meanwhile, they have everything to play for as a win could see them claim top spot in the group if Germany is to lose against the Northern Irish.
Key Battle- Robert Lewandowski vs Yaroslav Rakitskiy
Bayern Munich’s star forward has certainly been very far from his best at this tournament, failing to register a shot on goal inside the opening two games. Lewandowski will see the match against the already eliminated Ukraine as the perfect opportunity to find some form heading into the knockout stages of the tournament. If the star striker brings his best the Ukraine defence may be in for a long 90 minutes come Wednesday morning (AEST).
Rakitskiy has been a strong contributor in the Ukraine back line despite their less than impressive performances inside the opening two games. He will make the likes of Lewandowski and Arkadiusz Milik accountable when they don’t have the ball as he will look to play out from the back and at times look to add an extra number in the midfield. His physicality will be key in the match-up against Poland’s star forward.
Team News
Heading into the final group stage match Ukraine will have a full squad to choose from with no injuries or suspensions from their previous game against Northern Ireland. Manager Mykhailo Fomenko may elect to give some youngsters an opportunity considering it is very much a nothing match for his side.
Poland’s only concern surrounds goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny who injured his thigh in the opening match against Northern Ireland, however, he may make a return in this match after missing the Germany game.
Head-to-Head
This will be the eighth time the teams have come together and the first time they will meet at a major tournament. The Ukrainians have won three games to the Polish’s two, although Ukraine is undefeated in the past five meetings between the pair.
Poland’s last win came back in September 2000 during a World Cup qualifying match which they won 3-1.
Previous Meeting
The pair last met back in 2013 during qualification for the 2014 World Cup held in Brazil. The Ukrainians won 1-0 thanks to a 64th minute strike from star winger Andriy Yarmolenko. During the qualifying process the Synyo-Zhovti (blue and yellow) would do the double over Poland.
Prediction
Given Ukraine are guaranteed set to finish on the bottom of the group they are set to play for pride heading into this match. The 2012 Euro co-host have failed to score thus far this tournament and are preparing to face a Polish side who is yet to concede. With their star wingers in Yevhen Konoplyanka and Andriy Yarmolenko not having starred in the tournament, they may find it difficult to find the back of the net yet again.
For Poland with so much on the line, they will see the game as the perfect opportunity to iron out any creases in their tactics heading into the knockout stages against a team lacking confidence. Expect the Poles to be at the Ukrainians from the very first whistle.
Ukraine 1 Poland 3
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
