Euro 2024: Poland vs Austria tips and predictions – Poles counting on Robert Lewandowski fear factor
An emotional Robert Lewandowski said he had fulfilled a childhood dream by scoring at the World Cup.
Berlin’s Olympiastadion will be the battle ground as Poland and Austria fight for their European Championship survival this Friday (1700 BST).
Despite being pitted against heavyweight opposition, both Poland and Austria showed they are more than capable of throwing a good punch.
The Netherlands needed a late winner from Wout Weghorst – of all people – to seal a narrow win over the Poles. France, meanwhile, relied on an own goal to get their slender success against the Austrians.
Unlike during the 1772 partition, Poland and Austria are an even match – or at least on the football pitch.
There is, however, one man who could provide the pivotal edge. We’re talking, of course, about Robert Lewandowski.
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The Barcelona striker injects a goal threat, a physical presence up top and that little bit of extra quality into this Polish team. Lewandowski also provides a fear factor which comes naturally with his 82 goals in 150 international appearances.
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Trouble is, we still don’t fully know whether the forward is available or not. Lewandowski picked up an injury in Poland’s final warm-up game and as a result, he missed the Euro opener with the Netherlands.
Media outlets are reporting that Lewy is ready to feature against Austria on Friday, but we simply won’t know for sure until the team sheets are in.
Austria have their own strengths, mainly thanks to their high-pressing style implemented by former Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick.
What’s more, the side will take plenty of confidence from their display against the French.
Looking at this encounter from a betting perspective, we’re backing a draw. Two evenly matches teams playing in a fixture with huge stakes – a 1-1 tie is our recommendation.
If Lewandowski features, back the Pole to get on the scoresheet, even if he comes on from the bench.
Team news
The biggest question mark in the Polish side concerns top striker Lewandowski. The Barcelona man is expected to play, as is Karol Swiderski.
Austria have no fresh injury concerns after the French game and Rangnick has a strong side at his disposal.
Key stats
- Poland have lost one of their last nine international matches
- Austria have lost one of their last eight international matches
- Two of the last three meetings ended in draws
- The last two meetings have only produced one goal
Suggested bets
Robert Lewandowski to score anytime
