Klasnić completes Croatian clean sweep
June 16, 2008 at 9:44 pm | In Croatia | 1 CommentTags: Artur Boruc, Croatia, Danijel Pranjic, Dario Simic, Dariusz Dudka, Euzebiusz Smolarek, Ivan Klasnic, Ivan Rakitic, Jacek Bak, Klagenfurt, Leo Beenhakker, Mladen Petric, Roger Guerreiro, Tomasz Zahorski, Vedran Runje, Wojciech Lobodzinski, Worthersee Stadion
Croatia rested a host of players yet still proved too strong for Poland as they won 1-0 in Klagenfurt to finish on maximum points in Group B and confirm their opponents’ early exit.
Klasnić winner
Ivan Klasnić scored the winner early in the second half at the Wörthersee Stadion to end another defiant show from goalkeeper Artur Boruc and further boost Croatia’s confidence before they tackle Turkey in the quarter-finals on Friday. Poland’s slim qualifying hopes rested on at least a two-goal victory here and a win for Austria over Germany, and neither came off as Michael Ballack struck the only goal in Vienna.
Saganowski steeled for Croatia climax
June 16, 2008 at 8:27 pm | In Poland | Leave a CommentTags: Blaszczykowski, Leo Beenhakker, Marek Saganowski, Poland
Only 90 minutes may remain for Poland at their first UEFA European Championship so it is understandable when forward Marek Saganowski says they are desperate to deliver against Croatia in Klagenfurt.
Motivated
Leo Beenhakker’s side may have topped a qualifying group including Portugal and Serbia but they have struggled to repeat that form in the finals. After losing to Germany and drawing with Austria, the White and Reds go into Monday’s Group B finale needing both a win against the Croatians, and a favourable result in the other match in Vienna, to progress. “We have a hard game ahead but motivation won’t be a problem,” said the 29-year-old. “We play for ourselves, our families and our fans. We play for Poland so motivation is not a problem.
Beenhakker lines up Polish Lazarus act
June 16, 2008 at 7:51 am | In Poland | Leave a CommentTags: Leo Beenhakker, Poland
Coach Leo Beenhakker is hoping Poland can sneak into the UEFA EURO 2008™ quarter-finals “through the back door” as he prepares his players for Monday’s critical Group B clash with Croatia in Klagenfurt.
Tough predicament
The stakes for Poland could scarcely be higher when they take on Slaven Bilić’s men at the Wörthersee Stadion. While Croatia are already through to the quarter-finals as group winners, Beenhakker’s men lie fourth in the section after taking one point from their first two games. Their campaign will be over regardless of Monday’s result, however, should Germany beat Austria in Vienna in the other match. Beenhakker was philosophical, though, when asked to sum up his team’s predicament. “We have to put our effort into what we have in our hands,” said the Dutchman. “We can’t control events in Vienna. All I can do is plan with my players to try and get the win over Croatia. We are focusing on our task and then we have to hope things elsewhere go our way to qualify through the back door.”
Late blow strikes Saganowski hard
June 14, 2008 at 1:07 pm | In Poland | Leave a CommentTags: Artur Boruc, Austria, Josef Hickersberger, Leo Beenhakker, Marek Saganowski, Poland
Striker Marek Saganowski says coach Leo Beenhakker has a battle on his hands to raise Poland’s players for their Group B finale against Croatia after a disappointing finish against Austria.
Bleak
Poland endured serious pressure from Austria in the first 20 minutes in Vienna, with goalkeeper Artur Boruc making a number of saves to deny Josef Hickersberger’s side, before the game turned in Poland’s favour when Roger Guerreiro scored on 30 minutes. However, a stoppage-time penalty from Ivica Vastic earned the co-hosts a 1-1 draw and Poland now have a major battle on their hands to make the last 16. Leo Beenhakker’s team have one group match left, against Croatia in Klagenfurt on Monday, but Southampton FC forward Saganowski admits the mood in the camp is bleak.
Clouds hovering over Poland camp
June 13, 2008 at 8:36 pm | In Poland | Leave a CommentTags: Artur Boruc, Croatia, Leo Beenhakker, Poland
Poland have waited more than 40 years to make it to the finals of the UEFA European Championship but the mood in Leo Beenhakker’s camp now suggests that their campaign is over after only two matches.
Beenhakker bemused
The Biało-czerwoni were shattered by an equalising goal in injury time during Thursday’s Group B meeting with Austria in Vienna and, although they can still qualify for the quarter-finals if they win their final group game against Croatia, coach Beenhakker has effectively conceded that his side are going out.
Boruc depressed
The squad are also in a depressed mood. “We have a small chance now but it’s only a small chance,” said goalkeeper Artur Boruc. “It’s going to be very difficult in the final group game as Croatia have won both of their games and we have to go and play them. It’s a chance, but a very, very small one and it’s hard to raise ourselves after what happened in Vienna.”
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