On Thursday, Poland will face New Zealand in an international friendly at the Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw. This match presents an opportunity for analysis and prediction of the outcome.
Match Preview
Poland is working to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup, and these friendlies allow the team to test strategies and assess players for upcoming important matches. The team has had mixed results lately, losing to Finland and drawing with the Netherlands, but they have also celebrated wins over Lithuania and Malta.
Poland previously defeated Finland at home in the last round of World Cup qualifiers. The team boasts depth and features players from top European leagues, offering various tactical options. With inconsistent performances in the Nations League and qualifiers, this friendly against New Zealand is an opportunity to rebuild confidence and entertain local supporters.
New Zealand has faced challenges in recent friendlies, losing to Australia twice and to Ukraine once. However, under coach Robert Hudson, they achieved success in World Cup qualifying, defeating Fiji and New Caledonia effectively—though these teams are significantly weaker. New Zealand typically struggles defensively against European sides.
Despite this, the team is known for its tenacity and fights until the end, even against more skilled opponents. Up front, Nichols plays a crucial role in maintaining possession, but against Poland, especially as the away side, their opportunities will be limited. The primary goal for New Zealand will be to avoid a heavy loss and stay disciplined tactically throughout the match.
Probable Lineups
- Poland: Skorupski; Cash, Kedziora, Bednarek, Kiwior; Slisz, Zielinski, Kaminski, Szymanski, Zalewski; Lewandowski
- New Zealand: Crocombe; Payne, Bindon, Boxall, De Vries; Thomas, Bell, Singh, Just; Wood, McCowatt
Match Facts and Head-to-Head
- Poland has not lost a home friendly since 2021.
- New Zealand has lost their last three matches, with a total score of 2:6.
- The teams last met in a friendly in 2002, where Poland won 2-0.
Prediction
Considering the current form, home advantage, and overall strength, betting on “Poland to win with a -1.0 handicap” at odds of 1.90 appears to be a strong choice.