A huge European qualifiers clash is in store with Poland taking on Republic of Ireland at the Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw. Ireland have a chance of making it to the Euro 2016 as an automatic qualifier if they defeat Poland on Sunday, which cannot be ruled out after Martin O'Neill's side defeated Germany in the last game, which has given his team a big hope.
However, Poland, who have been one of the best teams in the group, head into the match as favourites and a victory on their home turf will seal qualification.
Poland, who were held to a shocking 2-2 draw by Scotland in their last fixture, are fortunate to possess a player like Robert Lewandowski as the Bayern Munich striker drew level in the 94th minute with a late goal. Had they defeated Scotland, Poland would have been sitting comfortably at the top of Group D.
Republic of Ireland might have defeated Germany, but they are aware of the tough task in Warsaw with the home team comprising some lethal players and most importantly Lewandowski, who has been scoring goals of late. If the visitors fail to stop the Polish striker, they will be in for a long night.
Lewandowski, who believes qualification is much more important than the number of goals he has scored, is one of the best strikers in the planet as he can win games on his own.
"I am happy about every single goal but I would give back all the goals I've scored in the last two or three games for the national team for a qualification spot for France," Lewandowski told UEFA.com.
"That is the most important thing, it doesn't matter how many goals I've scored. I have to play to help the team and try to score more goals. Maybe if we win against Ireland then it will all be okay."
When these two teams last met in March, the match ended in a draw with Shane Long, who will be the key player for Ireland on Sunday, scoring in injury time. Republic of Ireland come into the game as a confident unit after having won three of their last European fixtures. However, this time around they have to do it without the services of their star goalie Shay Given, who has been ruled out of the crucial encounter due to a knee injury.
Though Ireland might be considered as the second favourites against Poland, it is not going to be a walk in the park for the home team. Expect Martin O'Neill's side to play with a big heart and go all out for a win.
Where to watch live
The Poland vs Republic of Ireland Euro 2016 Qualifier match is scheduled for a 7.45pm local time (12.15am IST, 2.45pm ET) start with live TV coverage in India on Sony Kix and live streaming on Livsports.
Viewers in the UK and Ireland can enjoy the live coverage of Poland vs Republic of Ireland Euro 2016 Qualifiers live on Sky Sports1/HD and can watch it online on Sky Go.
US viewers can catch Poland vs Republic of Ireland Euro 2016 Qualifier match live on ESPN.
