World Cup Qualifiers: Netherlands vs Poland! Coach worried about star player's injury, is Finland Poland’s real rival?

Today, our first topic isthe World Cup Qualifiers: Netherlands vs Poland!

When Poland was drawn into Group G, everyone thought it was manageable, with the only question being who between the Netherlands and Poland would finish first or second. The gap with other teams seemed too large for them to compete seriously.

Unexpectedly, internal issues within Poland have arisen, causing them to fall into an unfavorable third place in the group.

Although the coach has changed and Lewandowski has returned,I’m worried they might be playing a strategic game of sacrifice and advantage.

Lewandowski is extremely important to the Polish national team; if he had played in June, Poland might not have lost to Finland.

At that time, Poland had many chances but lacked a reliable finisher, wasting three excellent opportunities. If they had converted even one more, their qualification situation would be completely different now.

Now, with the former coach who clashed with Lewandowski dismissed and Lewandowski back in top form, Poland should definitely be stronger.

But the words from Poland’s coach Urban raise doubts about their fighting spirit tonight.

He mentioned Lewandowski’s physical condition,hinting that he might not be able to play two full matches.

If Lewandowski can only play one match, should it be against the Netherlands or Finland?

I think the answer is obvious — it should be Finland, because if they don’t beat Finland in a few days, Poland will be in a very passive position. In World Cup qualifiers, ties are decided by head-to-head results!

Even a draw would be tough, and a shock loss would be disastrous, since Poland is unlikely to qualify through the UEFA Nations League, basically ending their World Cup hopes.

Losing to the Netherlands isn’t a big deal, because catching up to them now is unrealistic.

Winning against Finland is what would put them back on track.

So, I seriously doubt whether Poland will hold back to save strength for the Finland match.

Moreover,Poland has four players tonight who are one yellow card away from suspension,three of whom are key players needed for the next game against Finland.

Even if these players start tonight, they probably won’t take many risks or commit tactical fouls, which might weaken the team’s defensive intensity.

On the Dutch side, there’s no need to hold back,since their next opponent is Lithuania, ranked 143rd in the world, a team whose total squad value is only about one-fortieth or one-fiftieth that of the Netherlands,making it a match they shouldn’t have any trouble winning, even with a second-string lineup.

Therefore, playing at home tonight, the Netherlands should have no burden and can give their all.

The gap between the Netherlands and Poland has been significant over the years; now one can play at full strength while the other dares not fully commit, so the outcome is predictable.

So, can the Netherlands satisfy their fans? What do you all think? I’m hoping for at least a two-goal winning margin!

Alright, for other matches today, I will still send you my written thoughts tonight. If anything is unclear, feel free to ask me. “Watch football, understand it” — see you there!

If you like it, please tap and follow, and give a like!