Will the star forwards shine

The Poles were so tight in their defence that the only goal conceded was a spectacular, acrobatic overhead kick by Xherdan Shaqiri. They are operating as a well oiled machine and it will be a daunting task for the Portuguese to find the net. Jakub Blaszczykowski and Gregorz Krychowiak are in scintillating form and will look for a repeat performance by controlling the tempo of the game. Though the Polish defence lack big names, they are compensating that with grit, discipline and determination. But, these very tenets will be tested against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani. On the strikers front, world class forward Robert Lewandowski failed to live up to expectations. He hasn’t even managed a single shot at goal, notwithstanding the penalty taken in the shootout against Switzerland. However, coach Adam Nawalka is least worried about Lewa, who despite nursing a thigh strain will play against Portugal. On the other hand, the Portuguese were insipid and lackluster in their outings and has luck riding with them. Star man Ronaldo, only shined in the goal glut against Hungary but cut a lone figure in other outings. Despite boasting exciting players in the lineup, they looked clue less in all their games. They looked exciting only when 18-year-old Renato Sanches was on pitch. However, coach Fernando Santos for reasons best known to him is reluctant start the box-to-box midfielder. Moreover, he failed to effectively use the talents like William Carvalho, Adrien Silva, Joao Mario and Andre Gomes. He has to find a balance in his squad or else it will be easy pickings for Poles. Santos’ negative tactics of sitting back and defend might have yielded results against the Croats but he might have to revisit his strategy against the Poles, who have the likes of Lewa and Arkadiusz Milik up front. I will go for Poles to pip Portuguese.