Poland vs UkrainePoland vs Ukraine
PGE Narodowy sets the stage for Poland’s last test ahead of the 2024 European Championship as they lock horns with Ukraine.
As one of the last teams to earn a berth at the upcoming European Championship, Poland’s chances of making it out of the group stages in their fifth consecutive tournament appearance aren’t great. Michal Probierz’s side squeezed past Wales on penalties in the March playoffs to secure safe passage to Germany, where they’ll look to reach the knockouts for only the second time in the nation’s history. Chances are they’re not going to make it unless aging forward Robert Lewandowski rolls back the years. But they should at least enter the tournament in high spirits if they can uphold their 100% unbeaten rate in Warsaw since the 2022 World Cup (W5, D1) following a 5-1 thumping of Baltic minnows Estonia last time out.
Meanwhile, Ukraine got the better of Iceland in the March playoffs final to book tickets for the fourth successive Euros finals appearance after coming from a deficit to claim a 2-1 win. That triumph forms part of Ukraine’s formidable seven-game unbeaten streak (W5, D2), bookended by a spirited 0-0 draw against Euro 2024 hosts Germany in their first June friendly. Buoyed by this momentum, the Ukrainians will be out to avenge losses in both H2Hs held in the past decade. Manager Serhiy Rebrov celebrated his 50th birthday in the best possible way as his men registered their fourth clean sheet in seven internationals against Germany despite facing 26 attempts!