Although Poland is well on its way to the European Championships, the captain is sounding the alarm. But for personal reasons. Ukraine, on the other hand, has completely different concerns.
Imagine it’s Poland – and Robert Lewandowski rarely scores. In fact, things haven’t exactly gone as planned for the superstar in the national team over the past two years. He only scored eight times in 19 appearances. A modest return for FC Barcelona’s star striker.
Poland’s captain spoke unusually openly about his problems before the playoff final in Wales (8.45 p.m./Cardiff City Stadium). “I need support. Talking can help us move forward. I’m having a difficult time – on many levels. The game doesn’t just take place on the pitch, but also in the head,” Lewandowski is quoted as saying in “Kicker”. This is probably why the former Bayern star named Wales the “favourites”.
“The Dragons” are happy to take up the template. “We know what we have to do, we don’t mind,” said team manager Rob Page relaxed. Wales could qualify for a third major tournament in a row. According to Page, we have “a taste of it, and we really like it.”
The winner will play in Group D at the European Championships, alongside Austria, the Netherlands and France.
For Ukraine, which has been badly hit by war, the playoff final against Iceland is of national importance. “I hope that our team can convey something positive to the people of Ukraine,” said national coach Serhij Rebrow after the 2-1 semi-final win against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
“There were 30 rockets last night. They fly every day. Our mission is to show that we are still alive, that we are still fighting against the Russians, that we still need support from Europe,” emphasized Rebrow. Association president Andrij Shevchenko swore to the team: “Keep giving everything on the way to the goal.”
Ukraine – Island
Because of the Russian war of aggression, the game for Chelsea star Mychajlo Mudryk’s team will take place in Wroclaw, Poland (8.45 p.m.). Nevertheless, Rebrow expects “many fans there to support us. I’m sure that the stadium will be full and everyone will be waiting for the game.”
But Iceland is also striving for success with all its might after the 4-1 win against Israel. It would be the third major tournament after 2016 and 2018 where the famous “Huh” would be heard.
The winner of the play-off final will face Belgium, Slovakia and Romania in Group E at the European Championships.
GEORGIA – GREECE
For Willy Sagnol, former Bayern Munich star, it could be his last appearance as Georgia national coach. The 47-year-old Frenchman announced his departure in a defeat in the play-off final against Greece (6 p.m. / Boris Paichadze Stadium in Tbilisi).
But it should be over after the EURO at the latest – and that is the big goal of Sagnol and his team. The whole country dreams of participating in a major tournament for the first time. The euphoria is huge and, says Sagnol, “our chances aren’t that bad.”
He is also relying on Budu Zivzivadze from second division club Karlsruher SC, the celebrated hero with two goals in the 2-0 semi-final win against Luxembourg. In addition, star striker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from SSC Napoli returns on time.
However, their opponents Greece are brimming with self-confidence after beating Kazakhstan 5-0. Coach Gustavo Poyet from Uruguay, who got the team back on track, is considered the father of the current success at the sensational European champions in 2004.
At the European Championships, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Turkey would be opponents in Group F.
2024-03-26 09:24:38
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