Poland continued their preparations for the Euro 2012 by beating an under-strength Argentina side, with Franciszek Smuda’s side now looking to produce another major upset. France, on the other hand, hammered Ukraine 4:1 in Kiev and les Bleus are hoping to record another morale-boosting victory.

Poland beat Argentina

Following the disappointing performance at the Euro 2008, Poland continued to struggle in the World Cup qualifiers and nobody was surprised to see them miss out on the tournament in South Africa. The Eastern European country then won a bid to host Euro 2012 together with Ukraine and they have soon started playing friendly games so as to prepare for the final tournament. The heavy defeats to Spain and Cameroon as well as the home loss to Australia proved that Poland are still nowhere near the top national teams, while their recent victory over under-strength Argentina is hardly an impressive result considering that the Albicelestes had lost 4:1 to Nigeria just few days before that game. It now looks that Poland don’t have enough quality to match in-form France and the hosts should be happy if they avoid a heavy defeat in this match.

Maciej Sadlok and Arkadiusz Glowacki miss out through injuries, while Ludovic Obraniak has joined the squad after attending the birth of his child.

France impress in Ukraine

France have shown a massive improvement under talented coach Laurent Blanc and they are now on the road to qualify for the Euro 2012. Les Bleus failed to impress in their qualifier in Belarus, having picked up just one point, but they then hammered very good Ukraine side in Kiev thanks to an amazing second-half performance. Debutant Marvin Martin stole the show with two goals and an assist, so there is no doubt he has earned the starting spot for the Poland game. Players like Gameiro, Cabaye, Sakho and Menez also showed a lot of potential, proving that the coach cannot go wrong regardless of the team he sends out on the pitch. With players like Ribery, Benzema, Malouda and Diaby well rested after the Belarus game, les Bleus look like a good bet to beat struggling Poland and keep the good atmosphere in the squad before they get some well deserved rest.

Cedric Carrasso, Charles N’Zogbia, Mathieu Valbuena and Giullaume Hoarau could start having not played a single minute in the Eastern European tour, while Ribery, Benzema and Malouda should return to the starting line-up.

Verdict

Poland have been pretty disappointing of late and their victory over Argentina should be seen as a one-off result rather than a sign of improvement. France, on the other hand, have impressed in Ukraine and with Laurent Blanc having the courtesy of choosing from a quality group of players, les Bleus should win this game as well.

Our prediction: Away win

Odds: 2.15 (23/20)

Bookmaker: Sportingbet