POL vs RUS Dream11 Team: After crashing out in their cross-over matches, Poland and Russia to fight It out one last time for the 5th and 6th placed spots
For Poland and Russia, the FIH Series Final was the biggest opportunity in over a year to try and edge as close to the 2020 Japan Olympics as possible. After failing to earn direct qualification to the semi-finals of the showpiece tournament, the two sides clashed it out in their respective cross-over matches on Wednessday.
However, the 2019 edition of the tournament was just not meant for them to be. Taking on one of the main contenders for the coveted title alongside India, Poland were trounced by Japan in the first cross-over of the showpiece tournament. In what was a totally lopsided result, Poland’s failings at the back came to the fore yet again as the backline fell apart completely.
Japan cantered all over them 6-2 to leave Poland facing the abject proposition of having to settle for a fifth or sixth place finish. Elsewhere in the second cross-over though, it was a much closer state of affairs. Russia were incessant against South Africa, trying their hardest to restore parity but in the end fell short by the barest of margins. The 2-1 defeat saw them crash out as well for a place in the final, leaving them facing off against Poland in Friday’s first match.
Probable Winner
If anything, this match promises to be as engrossing and riveting as they come. With nothing on the line for both these sides, expect them to partake in an emphatic show of attacking strength. The gaols will fly by as you like with the both sparing no expense in outscoring each other in the early morning encounter.
The last time these two had met in the Pool A fixture, Russia had come out on top by the solitary goal. In what was a five match thriller, the Russians emerged winners 3-2, a win crucial to them making it this far in the tournament.
Expect a match on the similar script to be played out today with Russia winning this one, Poland are paper thin in the defensive line and we just can’t see them restricting Russia from unleashing a carnage on their goal.
Goal-Keeper for POL vs RUS Dream11
For all the aberrations Poland have had to face at the back, their goal-keeper has been the one good thing to emerge from this tournament. He’s been adamant to keep the ball of out his goal, showing resilience to come up with crucial blocks and this sees us select Pacanowski.
Defenders for POL vs RUS Dream11
Confident of this being as high scoring an encounter as they get, we’ll be including only the three defenders from each side. We’ll begin with Poland’s Bratkowski, someone who has been richly rewarded with his soirees at the front part of the pitch. Involved in a slew of penalty corners, he’s seen himself fruitfully convert a solid amount and we expect him to do the same against Russia.
In come from Russia the two man partnership of Semen and Loginov. Although we don’t expect Russia to keep a cleansheet in this one, the fact that these two have an abundance of tackling points sees them earn a place in our line-up.
Midfielders for POL vs RUS Dream11
Having picked up the bare minimum of defenders, it’s time for us to compensate ourselves in this facet. What’s worth noting is that this is as competitive and finely balanced a match as they get with either side expected to mount a fair and square battle on the other. Given this prospective battle, we will be picking the 4 midfielders, two each from either side.
We’ll begin with the selections we have decided to rope in from Russia. Mikhail and Denis are the two who come in, given the mainstays they’ve become for their side in their formation. If Russia are to establish a bastion in the middle of the park, they need both of these to function steadily in unison and we expect it to happen.
From Poland the two man pick sees Pawlak and Kurowski are the two players we have opted for.
Forwards for POL vs RUS Dream11
One thing which is a more than guaranteed is that the goals are going to pour in as and when you like in this match. This narrative sees us opt for Khairullin and Skiperskiy from Russia, an extremely astute, fluid and worldclass unit at the top of the park.
From the Polish unit, it’s going to be the lone pick of Hubloj. He’s the highest points getter from both the sides and rightfully so, giving his guile and trickery with the stick. His control of the ball and ability to traverse past defenders with such ease sees him be our pick for the day.
Captain And Vice-Captain
Russia’s Khairullin and Poland’s Hubloj are our captain and vice-captain selection respectively.
Match Details
FIH Series Final
Match: Poland Vs Russia, 5-6th Place Match
Date And Time: 14th June, Friday- 8:45am IST
Venue: Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar
