Leo Beenhakker’s Polish side take on group leaders Croatia in their final group game in Klagenfurt, knowing that anything less than victory will not do. The Poles have one point from two games, and even if they do win, they need Austria to beat Germany in the other game.

Poland lost to Germany in their opening game, and a late penalty robbed them of three points against hosts Austria. The morale in the camp is low, and even the coach expects them to go out this evening. Probably rightly so, because Germany on paper at least, cannot lose to Austria. Maclej Zurawski is still injured, and the same goes for Jakub Blaszczykowski. Ebi Smolarek has shown none of the form that allowed him to score nine goals in qualifying, and Beenhakker might bring down the axe on him. Marcin Wasilewski, Mariusz Lewandowski, Smolarek, Jacek Krzynowek and stand in skipper Jacek Bak are all on one yellow, and will miss the quarterfinals should they receive another card and Poland qualify. Brazilian born Roger showed signs of brilliance in both games, and he will be Poland’s main threat going upfront.

Croatia shocked Euro 2008 by beating Germany 2-1, and in the process, have been confirmed as group winners. That means that they will take on Turkey in the last eight, and have avoided the dangerous Portuguese side. Slaven Bilic is expected to rest everybody on one yellow card-Luka Modric, Darijo Srna, Josip Simunic and Robert Kovac. Jerko Leko is also on a yellow, but he is not a first team regular. Some other key players like Niko Kranjcar, Vedran Corluka and Ivica Olic may also be rested in order to keep them fit for the upcoming clash against Turkey. Croatia will be led out by veteran Dario Simic, who will gain his 99th international cap in this game. Ivan Rakitic was impressive in the game against Germany, and another similar performance here could see him start against Turkey. The rest of the players will be keen to make an impression on these Championships too.

Poland seem bereft on ideas, and Croatia are high on morale. Even without several key players, Croatia should be able to beat Poland. 2-1 to the Croatians, with Rakitic, Klasnic and Smolarek on the scoresheet.