Austria and Poland meet in Ernst-Happel-Stadion, in a match for this phase of the Qualification Round for the European Championship (Qualifying Round). There is no record of direct confrontations between these two teams in the last 3 years. The last match was played on 12-06-2008 and ended with the score: Austria (1-1) Poland. In this game the home factor may be decisive, since Poland presents considerable differences in their results at home and as a visitor.
Austria:
The home team will make its debut in this edition of the competition, as it did not have to play any of the eliminatory games prior to this group stage. This is a team that usually maintains its competitive levels in home and away matches, since in the last 30 matches they register 8 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses in away matches; against 8 wins, 5 draws and 2 losses at their stadium. In their last match, for the UEFA Nations League, they got an away win against Northern Ireland by (1-2). In the last 10 home matches Austria has 7 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss. In 15 matches, they have conceded the first goal 6 times, but have won the first leg in 2. In the last 12 home matches for all competitions there is 1 period that stands out: they have suffered 4 of their 9 goals between the minutes (0′-15 ‘ ).
Austria leaves for this game with a triumph, by 1-2, in the displacement to the land of Northern Ireland, in a game for the League of Nations. It is important to remember that the Austrians were present at the last European Championship, played in France, but they did not go beyond the group stage. Normally coach Franco Foda acts in 4-2-3-1, privileging possession of the ball and organized attacks, especially through the flanks. It is important to emphasize that in this sector is the strength of the Austrian national team, with Lazaro and Sabitzer, two players with great technical competence and speed. For this game the coach can count on his best players.
Poland:
The visiting team had direct access to this group stage, so they will play their first match in this edition of the competition. This is a team that, oddly enough, was better outside than at home, as in the last 30 matches they register 6 wins, 7 draws and 2 losses in away matches; against 5 wins, 3 draws and 7 losses at their stadium. The team comes to this match after a draw away with Portugal by (1-1). In the last 6 away matches for all competitions, Poland won 3, drew 2 and lost 1. Their defense has not been very strong, as they have conceded goals in 8 of the last 10 matches, but their attack has scored regularity, as he scored goals in 7 of the last 10 matches. In 15 games, he suffered the first goal 8 times and never got the comeback.
Poland comes into this game after a draw, 1-1, on Portuguese soil, in a match for the UEFA League of Nations: the only goal of the team was scored by Milik. We remember that the Poles made a very positive European Championship of 2016, as they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Portugal. In this match against Austria, coach Jerzy Brzeczek must play in 4-2-3-1, privileging defensive organization and counterattacks. It is important to underline that the player with more capacity to shake the game of the visiting team is forward Lewandowski. There are no absences of weight for this game.
