Euro 2016 Group C: Goals expected as top-heavy rivals Germany and Poland lock horns
Published:
Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | June 14, 2016
Germany v Poland
- Euro 2016 Group C
- Thursday, June 16th
- Kick-off: 20:00 BST
- Stade de France, St-Denis, Paris
- Live on ITV
Poland hoping to belie record with Germany
Neighbours Germany and Poland have met 20 times before, since their first clash in 1933, though the former have lost only once and kept clean sheets in 11, so back them to win to nil again at a tasty 9/5 price with Coral.
However, the White Eagles’ sole victory came as recently as the 2016 Euro qualifiers, back in October 2014, so are 5/1 to cause another upset over the world champions. A seventh draw between the two rivals is 16/5, meanwhile.
Their last duel came in the same qualifying campaign in Germany, when Die Mannschaft (8/15 odds-on favourites) ran out 3-1 winners, in a match that saw all four goals come from Bayern Munich attackers.
Thomas Muller opened the scoring for the hosts, before compatriot Mario Gotze netted either side of a reply from prolific Pole Robert Lewandowski.
It was the latter’s second goal against the Germans, and he is a very tempting 7/4 shout in the anytime market again.
Milik-Lewandowski partnership crucial for Poles
Lewandowski’s strike partner Arkadiusz Milik took most of the plaudits in Poland’s first Group C game this tournament, though, after getting the sole strike of the match against Northern Ireland and getting most of the chances.
The 22-year-old Ajax frontman was on target first in Poland’s 2-0 triumph over Germany, so is 11/4 in the anytime market and 8/1 to opening the scoring once again.
Another young Polish star to look out for is midfielder Bartosz Kapustka, who put in a mature display against the Green and White Army, and the teenager has since been touted by a number of former professionals as one for the future. The 19-year-old is 11/2 to add to his two international goals to date.
As for Germany, while none of their attackers found the net in their opening 2-0 win over Ukraine – Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi and captain Bastian Schweinsteiger were on target – they still have a wealth of talent to do so at the Stade de France.
Germany to rely on attacking talent
Clubmates Muller and Gotze, who are proven to score when it matters most at international level, are respective 6/5 and 6/4 shouts to strike past Poland again.
The likes of Mario Gomez (5/4), Andre Schurrle (7/4) and Leroy Sane (2/1) will be hoping to get game time, as will Lukas Podolski (also 2/1), who bagged a brace in a 2-0 victory over this opposition at Euro 2008.
These two teams sit equal on points at the top of Group C after winning their opening fixtures, though neither had it all their way. So, with such attacking talent on both sides, and less ability in defence, why not go for a Germany win with both teams scoring at 23/10?
Or, if you are unsure of which team to back, odds of 31/20 say that either team will triumph with both Germany and Poland finding the net.
Related
What does Coral football ambassador Alan Shearer think ahead of this mighty clash between Germany and Poland? Listen to his thoughts below.
Coral’s top tip: Germany are 23/10 chances to win with both them and Poland scoring in this tasty Group C clash.
