Swiss challenge for Poles

So impressive were the Poles in the group stages that their star man Robert Lewandowski’s woes in front of the goal were hardly noticed. Lewa failed to hit a single shot at goal in the previous three outings. In their round of 16 fixture against Switzerland, the Poles need their star man back to his best. If, Lewa finds his touch, he and Arkadiusz Milik will pose a daunting challenge to the Swiss defence. The Polish midfield was not spectacular but highly effective. Defensive midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak was superb in the group stages, not only he broke the opposition attack but he had all the time in the world to pick out passes. In short, he controlled the tempo and will look for a repeat performance. Adam Nawalka found success with short and effective use of winger Jakub Blaszczykowski. Nawalka didn’t start the winger but used him as a substitute. Kuba’s pace, movement and trickery gave nightmares to the opposition full backs. Coming fresh in to the team after 60 minutes, Kuba toyed with the full backs and laid down key passes for the team mates. Against the Swiss, it would be the same. Meanwhile, the Swiss has their captain Stephen Lichsteiner at right back, who is in imperious form. Ever since, he joined Juventus in 2011, the ‘Swiss Express’ is playing at the top of his game hardly putting a foot wrong. At 32, he might not be as fit as he once was, which Kuba might look to exploit but nevertheless it would be an interesting duel. Ricardo Rordriguez on the left is the one of the most sought after left wingers, it will be very difficult to beat him. Moreover, the full backs complement Swiss wingers Xherdan Shaqiri and Admir Mehmedi, who will tear down the flanks at every opportunity. It will be a contest in the midfield as the trio of Granit Xhaka, Valon Behrami and Blerim Dzemaili would look to control the proceedings in the midfield. Krychowiak might be tasked to mark Dzemaili, who plays in the hole. However, Xhaka who plays deeper poses more potent threat as he picks out wingers with immaculate ease. Breel Embolo, who is one of the most sought after strikers in the transfer window will start for the Swiss. The 19-year-old showed glimpses of his raw talent in the previous games and will look to make a name in the do or die match. Poles will likely pip the Swiss. The match will not be a tightly contested one, with Nawalka’s tactical nous being the difference.