France to prove too strong for Poland in 2nd half
France begin their 2022 World Cup knockout phase with a Last 16 game against Poland, with both sides losing their third and final group encounter as preparation for the business end of the tournament. Les Bleus in particular know that advancing to the quarter finals in their side of the bracket means either a clash against old foes England or Senegal, where the ties between the two nations remain very strong in the post-colonial age. Robert Lewandowski and co are unlikely to make it easy for them at the Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday, but they have the depth in quality to make good use of substitutions to force the issue. Read our preview here:
Griez lightning
Didier Deschamps is certain to revert the XI to the ones who started the second pool game against Denmark, having watched some of those on the fringes fail to ensure maximum points were achieved in the match with Tunisia. Indeed, the Eagles of Carthage managed a shock 1-0 win, proving that as gifted as many of the individuals are in the current holders' squad, they're not infallible. Olivier Giroud is set for a ding-dong battle against the very physical centre backs in the opposition's back four, and that occupation should give Antoine Griezmann room in the number 10 role behind him to dig out opportunities. Neither Kylian Mbappé nor Ousmane Dembélé are likely to be asked to help out in the defensive transition, with the order of the day certain to be pinning Biało-czerwoni and isolating Lewandowski, much like Argentina were successful in doing.
Glik and collect
Though Kamil Glik now plies his trade in Serie B with Benevento, he remains simultaneously crucial to the way the underdogs play and also of a high enough standard to warrant selection. The aforementioned tussle with Giroud will be key, as will his ability to make the most out of set pieces in the final third. Czesław Michniewicz should have a full complement to choose from, with the main quandary being how to ensure enough protection for the rear-guard whilst avoiding Lewandowski cutting a frustrated figure once more in attack. Charlotte FC's Karol Świderski could get the nod, but in reality, it's anyone's guess who his partner will be, if indeed there is a conventional one.
Betting tip
France will seek to make Poland chase the game from an early point in the action. That is when Deschamps' charges are at their best as they have ways of shutting down attacking avenues and the pace in wide areas to stretch games. However, bet365 have odds of 3.75 that it will be yet another case of the second period exploding into life at this tournament, with a draw at half-time and France winning after 90 minutes.
