Euro 2024: Poland vs Austria Preview, Prediction & Betting Picks

This one is a really, really tough game to call. Poland probably have more individual quality on paper but it's hard to ignore what Austria have been doing since Ralf Rangnick took over. There's a really impressive degree of cohesion to this Austria side and they look extremely comfortable and confident in their setup. They've mostly come out on top when facing sides of Poland's quality during the Rangnick era, however, we think that this game will result in a scoredraw with both sides eager to get on the points board. Poland 1-1 Austria.

The Euro 2024 group stages have already presented some intense matchups, and the forthcoming clash between Poland and Austria in Group D is shaping up to be a critical encounter for both teams. Set to take place this Tuesday, the match holds significant weight in determining the future progress of these nations in the tournament. With both sides having faced tough defeats in their opening games, this match is essentially a must-win for each team.

• Date: 21/06/2024
• Kick-off time: 17:00
• Location: Olympiastadion, Berlin

Poland entered Euro 2024 with a point to prove. Currently sitting third in Group D, they are coming off a narrow defeat to the Netherlands. Despite the loss, there were positives to take from the game, as Poland showed resilience and competitiveness against a top-tier team. This performance is a notable improvement from their disappointing showing at the 2022 World Cup, where they struggled significantly.

The team’s journey to Euro 2024 has been turbulent. Qualification was not straightforward, marked by inconsistent performances that led to a managerial change. Michał Probierz took the reins and has since stabilised the team, instilling a sense of confidence and tactical discipline. Under his guidance, Poland are determined to leave their World Cup woes behind and make a substantial impact in this tournament.

One of the crucial elements for Poland in this match will be the return of Robert Lewandowski. The star striker missed the opening game but is expected to be fit to face Austria. His presence is likely to bolster the team’s attacking threat and overall morale. Lewandowski’s experience and goal-scoring prowess could be pivotal in a game of such high stakes.

The significance of this match cannot be overstated for Poland. With France and the Netherlands also in their group, the path to the knockout stages is fraught with challenges. Securing a win against Austria is imperative if Poland are to have a realistic chance of advancing to the last 16. A defeat would place immense pressure on their final group game against France, a formidable opponent by any measure.

Austria find themselves in a similar predicament. They are fourth in Group D after a valiant effort against France, the tournament favourites. Despite the defeat, Austria can draw confidence from their performance, which was both spirited and tactically sound. Their ability to compete against one of the strongest teams in the competition showcases their potential and resilience.

Managed by Ralf Rangnick, Austria entered Euro 2024 with some analysts tagging them as potential dark horses. This optimism, however, has been tempered by injuries to key players, which have somewhat hampered their preparations and early performance. Nonetheless, Austria remain a well-organised and technically proficient side, capable of challenging any opponent on their day.

The match against Poland is equally crucial for Austria. A loss would mean they must beat the Netherlands in their final group game, a daunting task given the Dutch team's quality. Thus, Austria will approach this game with a sense of urgency and determination, knowing that a victory keeps their hopes of progression alive.

In terms of head-to-head encounters, Poland have historically had the upper hand. The last five meetings between these teams have seen Poland win three times, with the other two matches ending in draws. Their most recent encounter in 2019 ended in a 0-0 stalemate, highlighting how closely matched these teams can be.

For Poland, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Robert Lewandowski. His ability to convert chances and influence the game in the final third is unmatched. However, Poland’s success will also depend on the support he receives from his teammates. Players like Piotr Zieliński in midfield will need to be at their creative best, providing the necessary service to Lewandowski and making runs to disrupt Austria's defensive setup.

Defensively, Poland will have to be vigilant against Austria's dynamic attack. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny will play a crucial role in organising the backline and making key saves.

Austria, on the other hand, will look to their midfield for control and creativity. Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer will be essential in dictating the tempo and breaking up Poland's play. In attack, Marko Arnautović remains a critical figure. His experience and physical presence can unsettle the Polish defence, and his ability to link up with teammates will be vital for Austria’s offensive strategy.

Ralf Rangnick’s tactical acumen will be tested as he aims to outmanoeuvre Michał Probierz. Austria will likely adopt a balanced approach, seeking to control possession while being ready to exploit any spaces left by Poland on the counter-attack. Defensively, Austria will need to be particularly wary of Lewandowski, ensuring he is closely marked and denied space to operate.

Predicting the outcome of this match is challenging, given the high stakes and the quality of both sides. Poland’s historical advantage in head-to-head meetings might give them a psychological edge, but Austria’s impressive performance against France suggests they are more than capable of securing a positive result.

Ultimately, this match promises to be a closely contested affair. Both teams are well aware of the importance of a win, not just for points but for the momentum it would bring heading into their final group games.

Poland Team News

As already touched upon, Robert Lewandowski is expected to be declared fit for Poland in time for this game and should come straight into the starting lineup, likely in place of Kacper Urbański, with the impressive Adam Buksa set to partner him.

Paweł Dawidowicz could come into the backline while Brighton's Jakub Moder will be knocking on the door for a starting spot, but wholesale changes aren't likely following a positive performance last time out.

Austria Team News

Ralf Rangnick is also unlikely to tinker with the Austria lineup that took to the pitch against France following such an impressive showing.

There are, however, question marks over the fitness of Florian Grillitsch, with the midfielder having picked up a knock in the defeat to France. If deemed unfit, Wolfsburg's Patrick Wimmer could be given a place in the starting lineup.

Poland's opening match saw them slip to a narrow 1-2 defeat to the Netherlands. Poland started the game slowly, conceding a number of chances to a motivated Netherlands side but they took the lead against the run of play after just 16 minutes as Adam Buksa converted from a corner.

The Dutch equalised just under 15 minutes later through a fortuitous Cody Gakpo strike that took a heavy deflection from distance, but the Poles remained level until the break.

During the second half, Poland had their fair share of chances and very much looked the part against a Dutch side brimming with quality. Ultimately, though, Wout Weghort clinched the winner with a poacher's goal inside the box after 83 minutes to hand Poland a heartbreaking loss.

Having accumulated the same number of expected goals as their opponents (1.26 xG) they'll be confident their performance was a good one, so morale will be anything but low coming off the back of that one.

Performances and results in Qatar were poor and performances in qualifying for this tournament were even worse, but there was plenty in that game to suggest this is a new and improved Poland team.

The story of Austria's opening game was identical to that of Poland, but arguably more agonising. Austria played the tournament favourites, France, and slipped to a 0-1 defeat.

The Austrians started the game impressively, displaying a rigid off-the-ball structure while knitting together some neat combinations on the ball. The first big chance of the game fell their way and it was excellently worked, as Marcel Sabitzer's deft touch from a Michael Gregoritsch cross played Christoph Baumgartner 1v1 with Mike Maignan, only for the French goalkeeper to pull off a fine save from what was a sitter for the Austrians.

Somehow, the referee managed to miss what was a blatant save and handed France a goal kick, which resulted in them going on to score through a Maximilian Wöber own goal just minutes later, a decision that would have no doubt incensed the Austrians.

Ralf Rangnick's team remained extremely competitive throughout the game and pushed the French more than anyone expected they would, but ultimately they could not break the notoriously resolute French defensive structure.

They were, though, one of the more impressive "best of the rest" sides, and from that performance they'll take huge confidence following on from what was a very good qualification campaign.

This game will be aired live to FOX family of networks.