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Sports

Poles need win over Czechs to advance

By Sports Network
Published | Updated

Wroclaw, Poland – After grabbing a crucial second-half goal in a 1-1 draw with Russia last time out, Poland heads into its final match of the group stage, against the Czech Republic on Saturday, needing just a win to punch its ticket to the quarterfinals.

Jakub Blaszczykowski provided the killer goal that lifted the Poles to a total of two points through two games in Group A.

"We have played a lot of good matches," Poland coach Franciszek Smuda said. "In 2011 we came together to build a new team, and when you do that you do not always play perfectly. It is getting better and better.

"(Tuesday's) match proved that we are good enough to win against the Czech Republic. Our team can see that we have a chance of reaching the knockout stage and we will do everything we can to use that chance."

The draw with Russia did not come without a few drawbacks as several Polish players picked up knocks in the process. Smuda was unsure as to the extent of the injuries.

"When it comes to preparing for the next game," Smuda said, "we will have to wait until our injured players have been examined by the team doctor so we know if there is anything serious we have to contend with."

Smuda could be simply be playing his cards close to his chest in order to make life more difficult for the Czech Republic.

The Czechs only need a draw to make it through to the knockout round after claiming a 2-1 win over Greece on Tuesday.

"The first half was great, the combinations were great, we were dangerous," said Czech Republic coach Michal Bilek. "The second half was complicated as Tomas Rosicky couldn't play on and it took us some time to get back in the game.

"We conceded a really bad goal, which gave Greece hope. It was a mistake. Petr Cech didn't communicate with Tomas Sivok and it was an unnecessary goal to concede."

While the Czechs can still advance with a draw, Bilek appears reluctant to play for just a point.

"We knew it would be the end of our Euro if we'd have lost (against Greece)," Bilek said. "You can start the (final group-stage) match thinking that a point is enough, but it's never good to play with this attitude. We have to fight in the last match and get the points out of it. We won't start thinking a point will be enough."