Polandvs.Netherlands

While the Poles sneaked through to the finals via a playoff, their opening opponents qualified comfortably and are now intent on claiming a second European title.

Match preview

Arriving in neighbouring Germany on a five-match winning streak, Poland will play their fifth straight major tournament this summer and are hoping to progress to the knockout phase despite a tough group-stage draw.

Though those hopes have been hit by Robert Lewandowski's recent injury, which leaves the Eagles without their talisman for Sunday's opener at least, they are riding a wave of momentum.

It could all have been very different, but after the failed experiment of putting Euro 2016 winner Fernando Santos in charge was swiftly curtailed, current coach Michal Probierz was appointed - and to great effect.

Poland only finished third in a weak qualifying group, but beating Estonia and then Wales - the latter by virtue of a dramatic penalty shootout - saw them through the playoffs and into the draw for the finals.

This month, the Eagles reconvened to play two warm-up friendlies, and having seen off 2012 co-hosts Ukraine 3-1 they then went on to defeat Turkey 2-1 on Monday - five different players scored, giving hope that Lewandowski's absence will not prove too harmful.

However, precedent is certainly not on their side: Poland have won just two of 14 matches at the Euros to date, and ahead of their first meeting with the Netherlands at a major tournament, they are winless in 12 games against the Oranje since 1979.

Now taking part in their 11th European Championship, the Netherlands famously lifted the trophy when UEFA's main event was last held exclusively in Germany - back in 1988, when Marco van Basten's memorable volley helped them to victory in the final.

Only the Germans have reached the semi-finals more often since then, but the Oranje have not made it to the final four in 20 years and Ronald Koeman's current squad are keen to put that right.

Also faced by favourites France and improving Austria in Group D, their first task will be to successfully negotiate their way to the knockout rounds, and recent results suggest that should be well within their capabilities.

After last week's 4-0 win over Canada, the Netherlands crushed Iceland by the same scoreline on Monday, and they had won four of their previous six matches - the only exceptions coming against top-tier opponents, France and Germany.

The Dutch squad, then, will be brimful of confidence for Sunday's contest in Hamburg, and their lack of a Lewandowski-like striker has not proved a major impediment so far.

Captain Virgil van Dijk scored in both warm-up wins, and he leads a defence stacked with impressive performers; Frenkie de Jong's absence in midfield may dent dreams of going all the way, but much is expected of Koeman's men this summer.

Poland form (all competitions):

D

W

W

W

W

W

Netherlands form (all competitions):

W

W

W

L

W

W

Team News

Without both Robert Lewandowski - Poland's top scorer at the Euros, netting five of their 11 goals to date - and Juventus striker Arkadiusz Milik, who was recently ruled out by a knee injury, Michal Probierz will have to improvise up front.

Although troubled by an ankle problem, Karol Swiderski could play as a 'false nine' this weekend, or Krzysztof Piatek offers a more conventional option to spearhead the Polish attack.

Milik's clubmate Wojciech Szczesny is an 82-cap veteran and starts in goal, while another Italy-based star, Piotr Zielinski, pulls the strings in midfield.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands are likely to pick either Memphis Depay or Brian Brobbey as their focal point, with willing runner Wout Weghorst also in contention.

After Frenkie de Jong withdrew from the squad due to an ankle injury - joining Atalanta BC duo Marten De Roon and Teun Koopmeiners on the sidelines - full-back Ian Maatsen was called up as cover; however, either Nathan Ake or Micky van de Ven should start on the left side of defence.

Only Portugal's Bruno Fernandes laid on more assists in Euro 2024 qualifying than Denzel Dumfries (five), and the Inter Milan wideman is set to feature on the right, holding off competition from Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong.

Poland possible starting lineup:

Szczesny; Bednarek, Dawidowicz, Kiwior; Slisz; Frankowski, Zielinski, Piotrowski, Szymanski, Zalewski; Swiderski

Netherlands possible starting lineup:

Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Ake, Van de Ven; Schouten, Veerman; Simons, Reijnders, Gakpo; Depay

We say: Poland 0-1 Netherlands

Both teams' plans have been waylaid by injuries, but they cannot afford to feel sorry for themselves, given the quality of their other Group D opponents.

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