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Poland v Scotland [Euro 2016 Qualifying]

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WARSAW NATIONAL STADIUM 14TH OCTOBER 2014 - KICK OFF 19:45

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Scotland's next European qualifier sees them face a Poland side buoyed by victory over world champions Germany.

The Poles sit top of Group D having made an immaculate start to their Euro 2016 campaign, with maximum points taken from their opening two fixtures.

A 7-0 mauling of minnows Gibraltar was to be expected, but a 2-0 win against neighbours Germany on Saturday came as something of a surprise – given that they had failed to emerge victorious in 18 previous meetings.

Adam Nawalka’s side were full value for their success, though, and now boast a faultless record that has seen them yet to concede a goal.

Gordon Strachan’s men have, however, made a solid enough start themselves, with Germany requiring a brace from Thomas Muller to edge them out 2-1 on Matchday One.

Georgia were then seen off at Ibrox over the weekend to ensure the Scots head out on the road in a positive frame of mind.

Securing a top-three finish in the group will be no easy task, with an in-form Republic of Ireland also in the mix, but there is a growing belief within the ranks that qualification for a first major tournament since the 1998 World Cup is a distinct possibility.

Following their 2-0 win over bitter rivals Germany in the European Qualifiers, Poland have been surrounded by a media frenzy
Strachan has said in the build-up to the Poland game: “I saw an improvement in Poland when they beat Germany – I think we all did. Whether that's because of new players, or a new attitude, we all saw it.

“But we believe we have improved as well. As a manager I'm delighted with how my team is playing and I'm sure their manager is delighted with them.”

Team news

The Scottish FA have confirmed that Grant Hanley has withdrawn from the Scotland squad.

The Blackburn Rovers defender picked up a knee injury in the 1-0 win over Georgia on Saturday.

Gordon Strachan feels Germany’s inability to finish so many of the chances they created against Scotland and Poland demonstrates how difficult Group D is
Hanley has struck up a solid partnership with Norwich City's Russell Martin under Strachan, who must now choose between Brighton's Gordon Greer, Christophe Berra of Ipswich and Aberdeen's Mark Reynolds as Hanley's replacement.

Scotland have one other fitness concern over Ikechi Anya, who is nursing a strain, but the Watford winger is expected to make the game.

Poland were without Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski for a 1-0 friendly defeat to Strachan’s side in March, but he is expected to lead the line in midweek.

Nawalka also has three British-based goalkeepers at his disposal in the form of Arsenal’s Wojciech Szczesny, Swansea City’s Lukas Fabianski and Bournemouth loanee Artur Boruc.

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