UEFA EURO reporter's view: Poland
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Article summary
Poland have never won a match at a EURO finals but – with Robert Lewandowski, Grzegorz Krychowiak and some promising youngsters – head to France in confident mood.
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Squad analysis
Poland's problem in recent years has been the club situation of their players. Many were often on the bench and, even if they were starters, were not key figures. Now the situation is different. Robert Lewandowski is a world-renowned forward, but Poland are not just about him.
Grzegorz Krychowiak has developed in the past two seasons, winning the UEFA Europa League twice with Sevilla. Then there is Ajax's Arkadiusz Milik, one of the best strikers in the Eredivisie, and goalkeepers Łukasz Fabiański and Wojciech Szczęsny. Add Piotr Zieliński, 22, and 19-year-old Bartosz Kapustka and we could see a potent mix of experience, skill and youthful exuberance in France.
One to watch
Midfielder Zieliński left Zagłębie Lubin for Udinese at the age of 16 for just €100,000. He is now worth significantly more than that after flourishing on loan at Empoli this term, scoring five goals in 35 Serie A appearances. Polish Football Federation (PZPN) president Zbigniew Boniek is a fan and has said several times that in Zieliński, Poland have a "natural No10" for many years to come. UEFA EURO 2016 is a good place to prove it.
How they'll play
Poland will set up in a 4-4-2 formation with Lewandowski and Milik up front and Kamil Grosicki (left) and probably Jakub Błaszczykowski (right) providing service from the wings.
What you won't know
Poland's first goal at a EURO finals – in 2008 against Austria – was scored by Brazilian-born Roger Guerreiro, who only received his Polish passport shortly before the tournament.
How they'll do
Poland's first task is to win a game, something they have not managed in six previous EURO finals fixtures (D3 L3). In spite of that, expectations in Poland are high. A quarter-final place would be a good result, although achieving that depends on who Adam Nawałka's squad potentially face in the round of 16.
Your most memorable EURO moment
The opening match of UEFA EURO 2012 between Poland and Greece. A fantastic Lewandowski header gave the co-hosts the lead, but there was disappointment in store as Greece equalised early in the second half and Szczęsny was dismissed with 19 minutes left. Off the pitch, it was a pleasure to hear foreign journalists and fans say that the National Stadium Warsaw, built for the tournament, is one of the most beautiful venues in the world.
What you're most looking forward to this summer
No doubt about it, the Germany-Poland game at Stade de France on 16 June. The sides met in qualifying, with Poland triumphing 2-0 at home in October 2014, ending their 18-match winless run against their neighbours. Although they lost the return encounter 3-1 in Frankfurt, Poland proved they can compete with one of the best teams on the planet.
Follow Piotr throughout the finals on @UEFAcomPiotrK