Thursday Euro 2016 Poland vs Portugal – Preview
June 27, 2016 20:00pm – Stade Vélodrome, Marseille
Quarter-finals
Recent Form (all comps)
Poland: WWDWD
Portugal: WDDDW
First time Euro quarter-finalists Poland will take on a Portugal side who will be making their sixth appearance in the last eight of a European Championships on Thursday night.
No other team in history has reached six Euro quarter-finals. But despite their consistency, Portugal have never won the event. Their most successful campaign came on home soil back in 2004 when they grabbed the runner-up spot behind Greece.
Opponents Poland have already made history having never previously made it to this stage of a European Championship – although they did reach the World Cup semi-finals in 1974 and 1982. They last faced Portugal in a competitive environment during the qualifying stage on Euro 2008, winning the home tie and drawing away. They also held their rivals to a draw in their last friendly meeting back in 2012. When they last clashed in a major final, it was Portugal who ran out 4-0 winners at the 2002 World Cup.
Poland have conceded just one goal at this tournament (against Switzerland) but have failed to fire on all cylinders up front. They may need Robert Lewandowski to click into form if they are to find a way past Cristiano Ronaldo and his men.
Portugal have struggled to impose their authority during their previous fixtures in this tournament but have somehow found a way to win. That resilience will be put to the test again on Thursday.
Match Facts
- First major quarter-final for Poland since 1982
- Sixth Euro quarter-final appearance for Portugal
- Robert Lewandowski scored 13 goals in qualifying but has yet to find the net in France
Prediction
Portugal have created more chances than any other team but have been wasteful in front of goal. They will find it tough once again on Thursday when facing one of the tournament’s tightest defences.
Poland were prolific goal scorers in qualifying but have struggled to find the net in this event. If they can turn on the goal tap again, they could pose a real threat in this tournament.
You can back Robert Lewandowski to score at 11/5 with Betfair.
Betfair is our recommended bookmaker for all your Euro 2016 bets.