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Czech Republic might play better without injured Rosicky, says Smuda
Jun 15, 2012 9:00:00 PM
The coach is refusing to be drawn into the impact the Arsenal man's absence could have, as he worries about his own injury concerns ahead of Saturday's crunch clash
Poland boss Franciszek Smuda has indicated that he is not obsessed with the faltering fitness condition of Czech Republic ace Tomas Rosicky ahead of Saturday's match between the two teams.
The Arsenal attacker is a doubt for the decisive group match with an Achilles problem, with the 31-year-old due to undergo a fitness test mere hours before kick-off.
But Smuda feels the Czechs pose a threat with or without their star man.
"I do not know whether Rosicky's absence would represent an advantage for us," Smuda told reporters at a press conference.
"Perhaps it will be the same like when a team is playing with a man down and gets stronger.
"Maybe they will play better without him, but I think he will be fit for tomorrow."
With two points from as many matches, Poland only depend on themselves to go through in the competition, but they will require a victory against Michal Bilek's side - who come off a 2-1 victory against Greece.
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POLISH POLE-AXE |
| 5/4 | Poland are 5/4 with Bet365 to beat Czech Republic on Saturday |
"Our main aim is to stay focused and not commit any mistakes," Smuda noted. "This is the most important game of my life, I know this.
"We are not facing the same pressure that we were prior to our first match against Greece. But we know that it is hard to beat anyone here.
"I do not feel comfortable about tomorrow's match, especially after watching Czech Republic's last two games.
"Even when they suffered their third goal against Russia, they were playing really well."
As the Euro 2012 co-hosts approach their final match, Smuda is still sweating over the fitness of a number of his own key players.
"Eugen Polanski, Dariusz Dudka and Damien Perquis have suffered minor knocks and we will assess their fitness problems after tonight's training," the 63-year-old added.
"If we had no problems with injuries, I would really like to use the same line-up as we had against Russia, but maybe those injuries will impact our decision and we'll have to make some changes."
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