Hosts Poland could be Euro 2012 casualties even without losing
Published:Two consecutive 1-1 draws have left joint-hosts Poland with an uphill task to qualify from Group A, and they could struggle to justify 11/10 odds to do so with Czech Republic still to come.
After an eventful opener against Greece, a performance filled with endeavour and flashes of brilliance ensued against Russia last night, as the host nation made their supporters proud.
However, with two points amassed from their opening two games, Poland could become only the second side in history to exit the European championships at the group stage, without suffering a single defeat.
Italy are the only previous side to suffer this fate, after crashing out of Euro 2004 with two draws and one victory from their three group fixtures.
That exact same sequence could not occur in this year’s tournament, though a third draw would see the joint-hosts bow out at the group stage of the competition.
In Czech Republic, they face a side often frustrating, but one which did manage to scrape past Greece to record a first triumph at the championships on Tuesday.
The Czechs’ first half display in that match was pleasing, as they raced into a two-goal lead after only six minutes, taking full advantage of a makeshift Greek backline.
Poland meanwhile, were impressive in their draw with group favourites Russia, as captain Jakub Blaszczykowski’s wonder strike rescued a point.
Robert Lewandowski looked sharp again, and will have his nation’s hopes pinned on him once again as they go into their final group game on Saturday.
It is still possible that Poland can top Group A at 7/1, but this appears a far-fetched scenario, in that Russia would have to suffer a significant defeat to the ordinary-looking Greeks, whilst a convincing Polish victory would be required over the Czechs.
Therefore, with a draw looking a real possibility in their upcoming clash, Poland may be in line to make some unwanted history on Saturday.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
