UEFA Euro 2024
Patrick Pentz has already kept himself safe against Kylian Mbappe. The French superstar was unable to score against Austria’s team goalkeeper. On Friday, however, the 27-year-old will face the next goal scorer in the form of Robert Lewandowski. Pentz is aware of the challenge, but was nevertheless very calm on Wednesday. “We have been warned, but we still don’t have to be afraid of him,” explained the Salzburg player.
19.06.2024 23.55
Online since yesterday, 11:55 p.m.
Goalkeeper coach Michael Gspurning has already prepared Pentz for Lewandowski and his attacking colleagues with video sequences. One conclusion from this: “It’s not just about Lewandwoski. We are preparing for the entire Poland squad and all of their strikers.” Nevertheless, Poland’s goal scorer, who has recovered from a muscle injury, is the outstanding personality.
“We know that Lewandowski has been one of the best strikers in Europe over the last 15 years. He has brutal quality in the box and can score a goal with just about any part of his body,” said Pentz. However, he is not too worried about this. “Because we have not conceded many goals recently.” There have been four in five international matches this year. In his seven appearances for the Austrian Football Association so far, Pentz has kept one clean sheet – in March in a friendly against Slovakia (2-0).
No fear of game against Poland
Austria’s national team is not afraid, but shows respect before the second group match against Poland on Friday. Top striker Robert Lewandowski is set to play for Poland for the first time after his muscle injury in Berlin.
Collective action required for defensive work
Pentz said that the collective effort is needed to prevent goals being scored against. “We have to defend well as a whole team, concede as little as possible and play our game.” In the 0-1 defeat against France, this was at least partially successful, which makes the keeper confident for the duel with Poland. “We saw that we can hurt the French too. We have put aside our respect for the tournament and will go into the match 100 percent focused,” promised Pentz.
Reuters/Annegret Hilse After his muscle injury, Robert Lewandowski seems to be ready for the match against Austria
Like Austria, Poland started with a defeat, losing 1-2 to the Netherlands. However, coach Michal Probierz’s team presented themselves as equal opponents for long stretches. “We are not underestimating them at all,” explained Pentz, who expects a tough match. “It will definitely be more physical than against France.”
Pentz impressed as Austria’s number one against “Les Bleus”, although he wasn’t even in the team squad a few months ago. Match practice at Bröndby and Alexander Schlager’s injury ultimately made him the first-choice goalkeeper. “It’s important for me to enjoy every second of this tournament. It’s cool to be part of such a major event and to compete with big players. I’ll give it my all and give my best performance,” said Pentz.
