STAR PREVIEW Mon: Poland v Slovakia

Poland face off against Slovakia in the opening match of Group E at the Gazprom Arena in Russia with both sides hoping to get off to a strong start in the tournament.

It would be disrespectful to label Poland a one-man team, but there is no doubt that all eyes will be on Robert Lewandowksi as the Poles begin their EURO 2020 journey.

The legendary, talismanic striker scored a simply ridiculous 41 goals in 29 league appearances for Bayern Munich last season and is coming into EURO 2020 as by far the most in-form centre-forward at the tournament.

Poland manager Paulo Sousa hasn’t had very long to work with Lewandowski – the Portuguese only took the reins at the beginning of the year – but getting the best out of his main man could be key to success at EURO 2020.

Poland v Slovakia
UEFA EURO 2020 Group E
17:00 ITV / ITV Hub HD

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
(Maximum 10 matches)
NOV 2013 FRIENDLY Poland 0-2 Slovakia
MAY 2012 FRIENDLY Poland 1-0 Slovakia
OCT 2009 2010 WORLD CUP QUALIFYING Poland 0-1 Slovakia
OCT 2008 2010 WORLD CUP QUALIFYING Slovakia 2-1 Poland
FEB 2007 FRIENDLY Slovakia 2-2 Poland

Slovakia achieved relative success by reaching the knockout stages five years ago at EURO 2016 in France and will be looking to build on that this summer.

Much like Poland, Slovakia had a late change of manager. After edging past Republic of Ireland in their qualifying play-off semi-final on penalties, Pavel Hapal was sacked as coach, and subsequently replaced by Stefan Tarkovic who led them to the finals with a win over Northern Ireland.

Also, similarly to Poland, Slovakia have a talisman that many people will be looking towards in Marek Hamsik. The Napoli legend, who now plies his trade for IFK Goteborg in the Swedish top-flight, although certainly not at the peak of his powers at 33-years-of-age, is still a player capable of producing a magical moment.

The last three meetings between Poland and Slovakia have been low-scoring affairs and that should be expected again in what is both of these sides’ opening match of the tournament which, naturally, should be a cagey affair with neither team wanting to lose. However, if one man is capable of igniting this match, it is Robert Lewandowski.

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PROFIT/LOSS (EURO 2020): LOSS -3.39 points

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