Euro 2016 – Three key talking points – Switzerland vs Poland

Euro 2016 – Three key talking points – Switzerland vs Poland

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Group A runners-up Switzerland will take on Poland in the first knockout fixture of the Euro 2016 tournament. Both teams have been goal shy up until now, meaning one can expect a very tactical and cagey round of 16 encounter.

No favourites

Poland and Switzerland have enjoyed similar campaigns so far, scoring twice each while being miserly at the back. Adam Nawałka’s side have yet to let in a goal and have put in very rigid performances defensively, not allowing their opposition any spaces in behind. Vladimir Petković’s side have also been shrewd, conceding only one goal in the group stages – a penalty against Romania.

Neither of the two are considered favourites for the encounter, which might enable us to witness much more free flowing football from the two teams and hopefully a few more goals as well.

Big stars yet to shine

The Poles and the Swiss would have been considered dark horses at the start of the tournament and much was expected from the array of talent within either team. Although we are yet to see some eye-catching football from the two sides, much of it is due to their big name players failing to turn up so far. Xherdan Shaqiri and Robert Lewandowski have had a relatively quiet tournament and one could only imagine that both players are due a big performance. Having come into the tournament following strong domestic seasons, Shaqiri and Lewandowski were the big names to watch out for before the competition began, but have so far been among the most disappointing.

The platform could not be set any better for both men as they look to be the influential factor for their respective countries. A big performance from the two could be a catalyst for their teams to follow suit – and audiences might just be in for a cracker.

READ MORE: Match Preview – Switzerland vs Poland

First goal will play a big part

It will be undoubtedly very difficult to break down either of the defences, but in saying that, neither team have any lack of talent in the striking department. The game has all the makings of a cagey 1-0 win, making the first goal all the more important. Although we would love to see another 3-3 thriller, there is very little evidence present that we might see that again and certainly not in this game.

While there might not be too many goals to expect, we can certainly expect a tactically good match between two very talented teams.

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