Hosts Austria will look to avoid Switzerland’s fate when they face Poland in an all important Group B clash in Vienna. The Swiss, thanks to their 1-2 defeat against Turkey are out of the tournament, and should Austria fall to Poland, they will join their co hosts in watching from the sidelines in the knockout stages.

Austria were good in their game against Croatia, especially in the second half. They did look the better side, but lacked that crucial final touch in front of goal. For today’s game, the Austrians are expected to lineup the same way as they did against Croatia. Roland Linz is an injury doubt for this game, and if he does not pass fitness tests, then Roman Kienast will replace him. Martin Harnik should retain his spot after an impressive display against Croatia. Ivanschitz, Saumel and Proedl will need to have a greater degree of accuracy with their long range efforts. Some of the Austrian players like Emanuel Pogatez, are walking on a defensive tightrope, as another card will ensure suspension for a game. Hickersberger will be wondering whether to start with Korkmaz, who gave a good account of himself after coming on for Gercaliu against Croatia.

Poland did well against Germany in a match they were expected to lose. Had they converted their half chances, the 2-0 scoreline might well have read differently. Skipper Zurawski’s thigh strain means that he will have to be replaced by Brazilian Roger, with the captain’s armband going to veteran central defender Jacek Bak. There are also injury concerns over Lewandowski, one of Poland’s two holding medios, the other being Dariusz Dudka.Jakub Wawrzyniak could replace Pawel Golanski at left back. Ebi Smolarek was Poland’s highest scorer in qualifying, and he will be up against Pogatetz and Strandl.

On paper Poland should win this. Expect another good performance from the Austrians, but Poland’s quality should tell by the final whistle. Poland to win this 2-0, with Smolarek and Roger scoring.

Co hosts Austria face Croatia in a tough opener for Josef Hickersberger’s team at the Ernst Happel stadium in Vienna. A win for the home side would definitely rouse interest among the general public, most of whom are pessimistic about their side’s chances against a Croatian side that denied England a spot this summer in Austria and Switzerland.

Austria, who do not figure in the top 100 in the FIFA World Rankings, are underdogs for this game. They have never played at the European Championships before, and qualified for this one by virtue of being the co hosts. Their last two results, a 1-1 draw against Nigeria and a 5-1 thrashing of Malta, are encouraging, but many think the Croatians will pose too much of a challenge. Jurgen Macho is in goal, and the pair of Emmanuel Pogatetz and Martin Stranzl, with top level experience in England and Germany, will marshall the defence. Captain Andreas Ivanschitz has said that Austria will play with two forwards. One is likely to be Roland Linz, with Kienast, Hoffer and Harnik fighting for the other spot. Austria’s midfield, consisting of the skipper himself, Jurgen Saumel and others, will have its work cut out against Modric, Kranjcar, Kovac and Srna.

Croatia have developed into a dangerous side under Slaven Bilic. Even without star striker Eduardo, their side still packs a punch. The midfield quarter of Niko Kranjcar, new Tottenham starlet Luka Modric, dead ball specialist Darijo Srna and skipper Niko Kovac is expected to dominate the game and provide plenty of opportunities for Petric and Olic upfront. Vedran Corluka will play at rightback, with Danijel Pranjic on the left. Josip Simunic and veteran Robert Kovac are in central defence, and the Austrians will look to take advantage of this slightly vulnerable central pairing. Stipe Pletikosa provides a safe set of hands in goal.

Austria have not won in any of their last six matches at the Ernst Happel stadium. Croatia have won all three encounters between the two sides prior to this game, and three should become four for Bilic’s side. Croatia to win 3-0, with goals from Petric, Srna and Kranjcar.