Beenhakker rallies Poles

POLAND coach Leo Beenhakker led a rallying call for his squad and insists they are ready to continue their “miracle” of reaching Euro 2008 by staying in the tournament beyond the first week.

But the dream could be over if Austria defeat them at Ernst Happel Stadium tonight.

The co-hosts have been encouraged by their performance in defeat to Croatia, but Beenhakker has confidence.

“I can guarantee my team will be ready for it,” said the Dutchman. “It’s a match to stay in the tournament.

“We know all the possibilities Austria have with their players and I’m not worried about it.”

Poland have been hit by injuries, with skipper Maciej Zurawski likely to miss the rest of the tournament after straining his quadriceps in the defeat to Germany.

Jacek Bak will take the armband in the absence of Zurawski but the former Celtic striker will stay with the squad despite his hopes of playing in the tournament being slim.

Beenhakker is likely to make other changes from the starting XI of the opening match and acknowledged Roger Guerreiro had played his way into contention with his impact as a substitute last time out.

Meanwhile, Austria coach Josef Hickersberger is heading into the clash with optimism after his side almost upset Croatia in their first match, although he is not underestimating Poland.

“We both have to win in order to have a chance of the quarter-finals,” he said. “We will do our utmost to win the match.

“Against Croatia we did well in the second half and want to do just as well [tonight]. We are convinced we have a team that can play well against Poland and win.