Poland will need to take advantage of their very last chance to stay in this tournament, with a good result against already-qualified Croatia.
After the 1-1 draw with Austria, Poland’s chances of making it to the next round are slim. Only if Austria beat Germany in the other match and Poland achieve a bigger victory over Croatia, they could clinch a berth in the quarter finals.
Midfielder Mariusz Lewandowski refuses to give up: “We will try to win and, if we can get a 2-0 victory, we have a chance. Sometimes in football you have to hope and we hope we can do this.
“We want to stay in the tournament and go as far as possible, but the odds are not on our side. If we win 2-0, or better, then we will have done all we can.”
Manager Leo Beenhakker expects to make some more changes: “I have some changes in mind in case it’s necessary to force the game. As a coach that’s what you do – you prepare to try and win the game or get something extra when you are losing.”
Croatia meanwhile, are certain of winning Group B and will be more focused on their quarter final match than on Monday’s clash.
It is expected that coach Bilic gives several reserve players a chance against Poland, allowing his regular team to get some rest.
In a 2006 friendly, just ahead of the last World Cup, Poland achieved a 1-0 win over the Croatians.
Monday’s match will be led by Greek referee Kyros Vassaras.
Bye bye Poland! A third straight victory for Croatia!