Now or never for Austria coach Herzog ahead of crunch clash with Poland

The co-hosts went down 1-0 to Croatia in their opening game in Group B and another defeat would all but end their chances of making the quarter-finals.  

But Herzog is confident Austria will be able to up their game when the pressure is on. 

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Herzog (left) and coach Josef Hickersberger must find a way past the Poles

"The knock-out phase has already begun for us," he said.   "We have to win in order to remain in the running.  

"To go up against Germany (in their last group game on Monday) would be the opposite of ideal."  

Poland also go into the game on the back of a loss - 2-0 to group favourites Germany - and Herzog knows his team have to discover the killer instinct they lacked against Croatia.  

He added: "We have to find the right blend, have to be able to stay ice cold when we strike, utilise every weakness of our opponent.  

"We have to and we will beat Poland."  

Austria captain Andreas Ivanschitz believes Poland will provide even tougher opposition that Slaven Bilic's side.  

"It will be harder than against the Croats," he said. "But we will go into the game with heart and passion."  

Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa made a number of important saves to deny Austria victory in the first game, but Ivanschitz still feels his side need to show more attacking intent.  

He added: "It is the all-important game to remain in the running. Therefore we would like to approach it in a very offensive way.  

"But it is important to always have a good balance in the team. We should not go on the attack immediately and then in the first minute concede from an unnecessary counter."  

Ivanschitz himself revealed he would be fit to face Poland despite suffering a slight niggle.  

"I had pain in my knee after the Croatia game, but that is no longer an issue. I have trained fully."