Swiss-Poles match made in Germany PORTUGUESE COACH WARY OF ‘SHARKS’
Saint-Etienne, June 24: Experience forged in the German league will help Switzerland’s Bundesliga stars when they face Robert Lewandowski’s Poland in the last 16 at Euro 2016 on Saturday.
Switzerland and Poland have both qualified for the knockout phase of a European Championship finals for the first time.
But Adam Nawalka’s Poland have reason to be more optimistic with four wins in their ten meetings, while the Swiss have won just once.
With 11 of the Swiss squad having plied their trade in Germany’s top flight last season — including Arsenal-bound Granit Xhaka — the Swiss know what to expect at the
Stade GeoffroyGuichard. The main threat to the Swiss goal comes not just from Bayern Munich striker Lewandowski, but Borussia Dortmund winger Jakub Blaszczykowski. His goal off the bench sealed Poland’s 1-0 win over Ukraine which confirmed their place in the last 16.
Dortmund left-back Lukasz Piszczek is always a threat with crosses from the left flank for Ajax striker Arkadiusz Milik in the middle. “They’re definitely a difficult opponent,” said Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who plays for Borussia Moenchengladbach. “We all know Lewandowski from the Bundesliga. It would be foolish to call Poland a oneman team though. There are many other quality players in their side,” he added. — AFP Lens, June 24: Cristiano Ronaldo awoke from his Euro 2016 slumber in time to rescue Portugal from an early exit, but faces a greater challenge against a classy Croatia side that Portugal coach Fernando Santos called “sharks”.
However, Ronaldo refused to accept Portugal were underdogs. “We made it and now we face a very good team, but the odds are 50/50,” said Ronaldo.
“Croatia are a tough team, with good players. Not every team manages to beat Spain. We respect them, but we know our strengths and we’ll look them in the eye,” he said.
Croatia are likely to be even stronger for Saturday’s clash than against Spain with the return of Ronaldo’s Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric from injury. Juventus frontman Mario Mandzukic is also likely to shake off a knock to retake his place after Croatia coach Ante Cacic made five changes for the historic win over Spain.
“Croatia are one of the sharks we had been trying to avoid,” said Portugal boss Santos.
However, Santos has placed his faith in Ronaldo to again answer his country’s call. — AFP