Group A pair eye semi-final spots

Austria and Belgium can book places in the last four of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship by claiming a second victory in three days, but the Czech Republic and Poland will be looking to bounce back from losing starts to their Group A campaigns.

Defensive work
Following their 4-2 win against the Czech Republic on Tuesday, Belgium lead the section on goal difference, yet coach Marc Van Geerson admits there is room for improvement after conceding goals to Martin Fenin and Marek Strestik at the MGKS Huragan stadium. "We made a few defensive mistakes and we need to work on that ahead of the next match," the 56-year-old said. But the negatives were far outweighed by the positives, not least the performance of Roland Lamah.

Heating up
Having scored two first-half goals, the RSC Anderlecht forward was substituted midway through the second period as Van Geersom sought to rest key players in the searing heat of Pobiedziska. Temperatures are expected to be even higher in Wronki when Belgium line up against a Poland side they overcame 3-1 earlier this year. Another friendly ended goalless, and Van Geersom is eager to renew acquaintances. "I'm looking forward to seeing 'the new Zbigniew Boniek' [Dawid Janczyk]. I know the Polish are very excited about him so I can't wait to see him."

'Big question mark'
Janczyk and his team-mates endured a frustrating opening to the tournament as Poland were unable to provide the win the vast majority of the 15,000 crowd in Poznan demanded as Austria prevailed 1-0. It left coach Michał Globisz to contemplate the answer to what he had described as the "big question mark over our team"; and his initial diagnosis is downbeat. "I know what individuals can do and in terms of skill, they're behind," he said. "Belgium are regarded as being stronger than Austria so we'll have to wait and see."

'Good football'
Czech Republic coach Miroslav Soukup believes the Belgians and Austrians are more or less on a par, but having seen his side lose to the former on matchday one, he concedes there is work to do before his charges meet Austria in Swarzedz. "I know Austria will play good football as we have tapes of their Elite round games," he said. "I think we have a good idea of their style of play. Then again, I thought that about Belgium and we lost."

Madl return
Austria coach Paul Gludovatz has also been paying attention to detail, sending his assistant to the Czechs' loss on Tuesday. The man himself was in Poznan where a late goal from Erwin Hoffer earned his team three points, but he is keeping grounded, saying: "It's a good start but no more. We have two more tough games coming up over the next few days. It's difficult to recover in just 48 hours, but we'll be able to bring in the likes Michael Madl after suspension."