time to rise-up Vienna!

All eyes return to Vienna for a crucial match Thursday evening between co-host Austria and Poland with both squads knowing the chance of advancing is dependent upon a victory.

While coming into the tournament as the ninety-second ranked team in the world, Coach Hickersberger has laid the firm goal of advancing through the first round. With the Austrian FA (Österreichischer Fußball Bund) investing wisely over the last few years in a sound domestic developmental plan, the team has made leaps and bounds in performance and if I may, surprised everyone in their first match against Croatia with an inspired, passionate performance.

Standing in the way is Poland, led by Leo Beenhakker, who strikes me as the type of man you don’t bet against. His long career has been marked with the ability to take teams far beyond their pedigree and sly motivational skills. Now after serving as Poland’s Manager for two years, guiding them to their first Euro tournament, receiving the Order of Polonia Restituta from the Polish President, he sits on the verge of having the team qualify for the quarter-finals. Make no mistake, Don Leon, will have his squad ready.

In their first match against Germany, Poland displayed a remarkable work-rate and their mid-field was all over the pitch. With the loss of their captain Maciej Zurawski, the experienced Jacek Bąk will carry the mantle of responsibility and as he has done through his career, lead through example. While midfielder Mariusz Lewandowski has been troubled with an injury and some have questioned whether he will be ready, inside reports suggest he is fully fit and ready. For those who weren’t familiar with Roger Guerreiro prior to the Germany match, you likely are wondering how he has escaped not playing in a larger venue to-date as his speed and creativity can cause the opposition to go into fits. With Roger Guerreiro’s pace and crossing ability, I expect a more offensive assault by Poland and considerable pressure on Austria’s back four of Mad-Dog Pogatetz, Martin Stranzl, György Garics and the youthful Sebastian Prödl. Austria will need to be at its best to deal with the pace and intensity of Poland.

Coach Hickersberger has cleverly built Austria’s confidence and the verge of the match the team is focused upon pulling off one of the teams greatest upsets in recent memory. To do so, they will employ a more aggressive 4-4-2 attack, although not completely throw its defensive mind-set to the wind. As per the case with the opening match, a veil of secrecy surrounds the squad although he has certainly given clues that the pace-laden tandem of Martin Harnik and Jimmy Hoffer could be paired up-front as well as Hoffer with Roland Linz or Roman Kienast. With Ivica Vastić, who looked positively brilliant at times against Croatia, in the starting midfield with Andreas Ivanschitz, the squad is on the hunt for goals and bringing further pride to Austria. And with a packed house and a nation brimming with pride, you can expect resounding support.