THE Poland coach Adam Nawalka is reluctant to predict where his men might finish in Euro 2016 Group C, stressing the focus is simply on securing three points from tonight's match against a Ukraine outfit they are not about to take lightly.
The Poles, who finished bottom of the group in their two previous European Championship campaigns, head into their final pool match on the brink of qualification for the next round but they know they could end up anywhere in the top three.
After beating Northern Ireland 1-0 and drawing 0-0 with Germany, they are second. Their tally of four points is the same as that of the group-topping Germans, whose goal difference is superior to theirs by one.
Both are a point better off than third-placed Northern Ireland, while already-eliminated Ukraine – Poland's co-hosts four years ago for Euro 2012 – are bottom following two defeats.
Ahead of his side's game in Marseille, Nawalka said: "I don't want to speculate about the place in which we will finish. What matters is the match and that we want to win three points. That is the most important thing for us."
Ukraine have so far been defeated 2-0 by world champions Germany and Northern Ireland, but Nawalka was keen to talk up Mykhaylo Fomenko's team.
"We want to highlight that Ukraine are very difficult opponents who we respect," Nawalka said. "Always, if you disrespect your opponent at any point, the match will be difficult. We will show them respect by being very well prepared for this match in every element.
"Ukraine showed their strength in their first match when they lost against Germany.
"There were periods of this match when they were creating some great chances to score. They played very well at the time.
"It shows that this team is very strong, and they will try to show this also tomorrow in their final match. To represent your country is an honour and a privilege and I'm sure this is how they will approach it."
While Nawalka has had complimentary words for Ukraine, there has been plenty of criticism of the team following their elimination.
That has been deserved according to Ukraine defender Oleksandr Kucher, who has emphasised the desire in the camp to put on a decent show in this concluding fixture.
"It is going to be a difficult match for us," Kucher said. "We are under tremendous pressure now. We realise that because of how we have played, we deserve to be criticised. So I think it is fair to say that we need to get onto the pitch and show everyone the football we are able to play.
"Unfortunately we failed to do that in our two last games but, we will do everything in our power in the next game to prove that we can play."
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