Poland vs Northern Ireland : EURO 2016 June 13 , 00:00

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Updated: June 12, 2016
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Poland will kick-off the Group C fixtures, facing the Irish lads on Sunday evening at the Allianz Riviera in Nice, France.

Poland qualified for UEFA Euro 2016 in a strong manner after finishing second in a difficult group which included the 2014 World Cup winners Germany. Adam Nawalka’s crew bagged six wins, three draws, and one loss, generating 33 goals in ten matches.

Poland has enjoyed an unbeaten streak for seven games, but that came to an end against the Netherlands on June 1. Nonetheless, the Polish men will be seeking to secure three points in their opening Euro 2016 match against European newcomers Northern Ireland.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland made history with brilliant performances in the qualifying Euro stage, booking their first ever ticket to this summer’s tournament as group winners. Michael O’Neill’s side have enjoyed a great run with a 12-match unbeaten streak, as the Green and White Army will be hoping to continue their positive spell in this elite competition.

Team news – who’s fit and who’s not?

Adam Nawalka will be missing several key players with midfielders Maciej Rybus (shoulder) and Pawel Wszolek (arm/elbow) ruled out of this top-flight tournament. In addition, Kamil Grosicki is doubtful to start for Poland after the Polish winger suffered an ankle injury back in April.

Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty will be a major doubt for Michael O’Neill’s squad after he picked up a groin injury during Tuesday’s training. Wigan Athletic striker Will Grigg will replace Lafferty if the 28-year-old player fails to recover in time for their opening Euro 2016 game.

Head to head:

  • Poland has managed to win twice while drawing once, and losing once in their last four games
  • The most recent meeting between the two teams was in the World Cup qualifying campaign for South Africa 2010, in which Northern Ireland clinched a 3-2 victory at home
  • In the last four matches, Northern Ireland has won two and drawn the other two
  • The Green and White army have scored eight goals in their last ten official appearances