Poland forward Robert Lewandowski at a training session in La Baule on Thursday. (Photo: AFP)
Poland forward Robert Lewandowski at a training session in La Baule on Thursday. (Photo: AFP)
Experience forged in the German league will help Switzerland’s Bundesliga stars when they face Robert Lewandowski’s Poland in the last 16 at Euro 2016 on Saturday.
Switzerland and Poland have both qualified for the knockout phase of a European Championship finals for the first time.
But Adam Nawalka’s Poland have reason to be more optimistic with four wins in their ten meetings, while the Swiss have won just once.
With 11 of the Swiss squad having plied their trade in Germany’s top flight last season — including Arsenal-bound Granit Xhaka — the Swiss know what to expect at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.
The main threat to the Swiss goal comes not just from Bayern Munich striker Lewandowski, but Borussia Dortmund winger Jakub Blaszczykowski. His goal off the bench sealed Poland’s 1-0 win over Ukraine which confirmed their place in the last 16.
Dortmund left-back Lukasz Piszczek is always a threat with crosses from the left flank for Ajax striker Arkadiusz Milik in the middle.
“They’re definitely a difficult opponent,” said Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who plays for Borussia Moenchengladbach. “We all know Lewandowski from the Bundesliga. It would be foolish to call Poland a one-man team though. There are many other quality players in their side,” he added.
Lewandowski was the top scorer in Euro 2016 qualifiers with 13 goals and bagged 42 goals in all competitions for Bayern last season. The 27-year-old has yet to open his account at the finals in France and says the Swiss will start as favourites to reach the quarterfinals.
