Wednesday, June 8, 2011

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09.06. (Thu) 21:00 Poland - France

DID YOU KNOW?

Poland have lost only one of their last nine matches, winning four of these encounters.

Lukasz Mierzejewski’s equalising goal against Argentina ended a two-game streak without scoring.

Since beating France 4-0 in Paris in 1982, the Poles have failed to defeat les Bleus, drawing four and losing twice.

They’ve met twice previously in Warsaw, drawing 2-2 in 1960 but losing 4-1 seven years later.

France are unbeaten in their last nine fixtures.

Marvin Martin became just the fourth France player in history to score on his international debut, following Jean Vincent, Zinedine Zidane and Bafetimbi Gomis, in Monday’s 4-1 win over Uruguay.

In Laurent Blanc’s 26-man squad, he has used 22 players during the last two matches.

Les Bleus are well poised to return to Poland and Ukraine in 12 months, leading Euro 2012 qualifying Group D by a point over Belarus, but also boast a game in hand.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Poland (4-2-3-1):
Szczesny; Piszczek, Jodlowiec, Wojtkowiak, Wawrzyniak; Dudka, Murawski; Blaszczykowski, Mierzejewski, Brozek; Lewandowski

After a magnificent victory over Argentina in their last outing, Poland boss Franciszek Smuda may rearrange his squad.

Amongst the players who may be introduced are Pawel Brozek, who scored the winner at the weekend, and Auxerre-based Dariusz Dudka, who is the most experienced member of a selection generally lacking in caps.

France (4-2-3-1):
Carrasso; Sagna, Sakho, Rami, Abidal; M’Vila, Diarra; N’Zogbia, Martin, Ribery; Hoarau

Laurent Blanc is likely to continue to experiment, rotating his side to allow those players who haven’t yet featured in this three-game tour the chance to impress.

After his stellar substitute performance on Monday, Marvin Martin will surely have to be handed the playmaker's role, but the defence is liable to be bolstered and could even be at full strength, minus the absent Philippe Mexes. Yoann Gourcuff is also absent from the squad due to injury.

Cedric Carrasso will be handed the gloves, Blanc has already confirmed.


Prediction
France showed on Monday that their squad players have much to offer, but the Poles will be treating this encounter like a competitive fixture and should be expected to be very tricky opponents. Bristling with confidence after their weekend performance, the hosts might well register a draw.
Editor's Prediction
Poland 1-1 France