Poland's national football team coach Jan Urban has labeled Sweden as the favorites ahead of their World Cup playoff match. Urban made the statement at a press conference, citing Sweden's home advantage and striker Viktor Gyökeres as key factors. Poland's football icon Zbigniew Boniek reportedly disagrees, claiming Poland has better players.
Sweden won their playoff semifinal against Ukraine 3-1, while Poland came from behind to avoid defeat against Albania. Urban reportedly said he can almost guarantee both Gyökeres and Robert Lewandowski will score, with Lewandowski scoring one more. Sweden finished last in their qualifying group with two points, while Poland was seeded after finishing second behind the Netherlands.
I can almost guarantee both Gyökeres and Robert Lewandowski will score, with Lewandowski scoring one more.
Urban took over Poland's team this summer and has not lost in seven matches, with five wins and two draws. Sweden's coach Graham Potter reportedly acknowledged the difficulty in claiming Sweden as favorites based on qualifying points. Poland's Nicola Zalewski is set to play against Sweden after being suspended against Albania, but Urban did not confirm his position.