Group C: Poland vs Northern Ireland
What channel is it on?
RTE 2, BBC One.
What time does it start?
Coverage starts at 4.15pm on BBC, 4.30pm on RTE – kickoff is at 5pm
Where is it being played?
Allianz Riviera, Nice
140-character preview
Group C opener. Northern Ireland’s first game at a major international tournament for 30 years. Will Grigg’s on fire. Robert Lewandowski.
Poland player-to-watch
Avoiding the obvious, Piotr Zielinski. Liverpool have lodged a £9.5m bid for the 22-year-old attacking midfielder and it’s easy to see why. His invention, versatility and work-rate make him a Jurgen Klopp wet dream.
Northern Ireland player-to-watch
Kyle Lafferty. The big Kesh striker may have experienced something of a journeyman club career but he’s a threat at international level. Despite his huge 6ft 4in frame, he works well across the width of the pitch and often drops deep.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvx9J_QNDc
Why will Poland win?
Robert Lewandowski. Poland scored more goals in Euro qualifying than any other side with 33, and the Bayern man got 13 of those badboys.
Why will Norn Iron win?
They’re currently unbeaten in 12 games, haven’t conceded in 271 minutes, and are two places above Poland in the FIFA rankings (25th).
SportsJOE drinking game buzzwords
1986; Big Norman Whiteside; George Best looking down; Last-ditch defending; Lovely touch for a big man; How do you stop him?
Headline predictions
O’Neill Pole-axed; Lewa Beauty; Kyle’s Last Laff.
