Poland vs Slovakia Prediction, Betting Tips and Preview - EURO 2020
How Poland Qualified for Euro 2020
Poland had a very impressive qualification campaign. They put out a near-perfect run of results that saw them drop just five points on their way to the tournament. They won eight out of ten matches in Group G. Their sole defeat came in their final qualification match after their place in the tournament was already wrapped up.
It’s the fourth successive year that Poland have qualified for the European Championships. Their best finish was in 2016 when they reached the quarter-finals of the competition. With Robert Lewandowski, Kamil Grosicki, and Kamil Glik all in their 30s, this may well be the last chance for them to impress at the Euros.
How Slovakia Qualified for Euro 2020
Slovakia took the long way to this tournament. They were drawn in Group E for the qualification campaign alongside some good teams. Croatia topped the group and Wales finished behind them on 14 points, just one ahead of Slovakia in third.
Slovakia were handed a difficult path in the play-offs. They beat the Republic of Ireland on penalties in the semi-finals after 0-0 draw. Slovakia then came up against another side from the British Isles in the losing semi-finalists’ neighbours, Northern Ireland. That went to extra time after a 1-1 draw but a late Michal Ďuriš goal secured the victory for Slovakia and their place at Euro 2020.
Poland v Slovakia Stats & Analysis
Only four teams had a better record in qualification than Poland. Eight wins and a draw from 10 matches gave them 25 points, a very impressive record considering their group. A lot of that good work is down to their defensive solidity. Poland kept seven clean sheets from their 10 matches, only Turkey earned more. Poland conceded just five goals in ten matches, a feat that only four other sides bettered.
Slovakia can boast no such record. They kept three clean sheets from ten and conceded 12 goals in that time. It’s not the worst return given the qualities in their group but it pales in comparison to Poland’s record. Still, there are plenty of causes for optimism. This is just the second European Championships tournament that Slovakia will take part in after qualifying in 2016.
Poland v Slovakia Bets
Poland are the big favourites to win this match. They are odds-on at 10/11 to secure three vital points in Group E as they aim to reach the knockout stages of this competition again. A draw is 5/2 and Slovakia are out at 7/2 to get the victory. A Slovakia win or a draw double chance is 1/1.
But a victory for Poland looks likelier. They will be hoping that their defensive solidity in the group stages can continue here. They’re 7/4 to win to nil which seems like a sound bet. Failing that, it may be worth backing a big win. They’ll always have a chance with one of the world’s best strikers up front in Robert Lewandowski. Poland are 5/2 to win with a European handicap of 0-1 and way out at 8/1 for 0-2.
