Poland vs Austria Prediction Euro 2024

⚽ Football EURO 2024 Match Preview

⏰ 21 June 2024 - 17:00 GMT +1

🏟 Stadium: Olympiastadion (Berlin)

The two losing sides of Group D's opening matchday already find themselves close to 'must win' territory and in an awkward situation where a draw may not suit either team. Poland and Austria were always considered the least likely teams to progress to the next stage ahead of their French and Dutch rivals, but with four best third-placed finishers advancing to the last 16, a win here would leave one side well placed.

The 2-1 loss to the Netherlands in their group opener was Michał Probierz's first as Poland's head coach (W6, D2) and the nation's sixth from their last ten games at World or European Championship finals (W2, D2). There were still plenty of positives to take away such as the opening goal going to Adam Buksa, who deputised for the injured Robert Lewandowski, but Probierz hinted at the post-game press conference that 35-year-old Lewandowski "will hopefully play" this match in what would be a welcome boost.

Austria's high pressing style under Ralf Rangnick has earned them great success during his tenure, and they should hold their heads high after an unfortunate own goal was the only difference between them and world number #2 ranked France (L 1-0). On paper, they now have easier assignments, meaning they should take confidence from that slender loss.

Rangnick pointed to the team's long-term form, which includes losses only to France and Belgium from 17 games (W12, D3) since the end of the previous UEFA Nations League as proof that there have been improvements in his side. Given that Austria are also on a seven-game winning streak as pre-match favourites dating back to November 2022, perhaps expectations of them should be high as they seek to repeat, if not exceed, Euro 2020's run to the Round of 16.

Where to watch?

📺 Poland vs Austria Live Stream on TV

📋 Players to watch: Karol Świderski will hope to get a chance from the start, especially as seven of his last eight goals for Poland have been their first of the match. Austrian striker Michael Gregoritsch netted goals in three of the team's six qualification victories for this tournament and he's never been on the losing side when scoring for the national side (W10, D3).

⚡Match Facts: Five of Austria's last seven European Championship games (including qualifiers) produced under 2.5 total goals.

Poland vs Austria Betting Tips

💡 Prediction: Both Poland and Austria will be desperate for the three points after losing their opening games. Poland have the advantage of potentially having Robert Lewandowski back, which would be a huge boost. However, Austria have been in excellent form under Rangnick and will take confidence from their narrow loss to France. With so much at stake, this could be a cagey, tight affair with neither team wanting to lose. Goals may be at a premium.

Betting tips: Under 2.5 goals looks a solid option based on Austria's recent tournament form and the high stakes nature of the match. Lewandowski is always a threat if he starts, so consider him in the anytime goalscorer market. A draw may not be an ideal result for either side, but it could also be a likely outcome.