Croatia will aim to secure their first points of the new UEFA Nations League campaign as they host Poland in Osijek on Sunday evening. In their opening match, Croatia was defeated by Portugal, while Poland achieved a win against Scotland.
Despite squandering a two-goal lead at Hampden Park, Poland heads to Osijek with three points, thanks to Nicola Zalewski’s decisive penalty in stoppage time, which clinched a 3-2 victory over Scotland. Sebastian Szymanski scored early, and Robert Lewandowski added a penalty, but Poland’s lead was threatened until Zalewski’s late penalty sealed the win.
A win here at this stage can provide a great motivational boost for both teams. For Poland, which has already won its first match against Scotland, these points will help it compete with Portugal, which is most likely to top the group.
Croatia vs. Poland: Team Form and Head-to-Head
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Similar to Croatia, Poland also failed to advance from their European Championship group this summer, earning just one point. Lewandowski scored the only goal in a 1-1 draw against France. Despite these setbacks, Poland’s coach Michal Probierz remains in charge and is expected to maintain their position in League A.
The top two teams in each group will advance to the final eight, while third place will face a relegation playoff, and fourth place will drop to League B. Croatia, aiming for their first win in five games, might make adjustments to their lineup, potentially shifting to a back four. There hasn’t been any battle of this particular fixture in the near past to provide head-to-head statistics which makes it even more interesting.
Team News
With Domagoj Vida and Marcelo Brozovic retiring from international football, and injuries affecting Josip Stanisic, Martin Erlic, and Duje Caleta-Car, Croatia’s defense is under pressure. Caleta-Car returned as a substitute in the last match, and veteran Ivan Perisic may be utilized in a defensive role.
Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic are expected to support Andrej Kramaric in attack, while Igor Matanovic, who made his senior debut recently, might start.
Poland’s squad, led by Robert Lewandowski, is missing longtime internationals Kamil Grosicki and Wojciech Szczesny—both retired, with Szczesny leaving football entirely—as well as the injured Arkadiusz Milik. Krzysztof Piatek, who is in excellent form in the Turkish Super Lig, will partner Lewandowski in attack, with Adam Buksa as an alternative. Marcin Bulka from Nice will be in goal, and Piotr Zielinski is expected to play despite limited appearances for Inter Milan.
Croatia vs. Poland: Possible Starting XI
Croatia: Livakovic; Jakic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Kovacic, L. Sucic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Ivanusec
Poland: Bulka; Bednarek, Dawidowicz, Kiwior; Frankowski, Zielinski, Szymanski, Moder, Zalewski; Piatek, Lewandowski
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