Football, not history, key for Krzynówek

Poland midfielder Jacek Krzynówek insists historical rivalry is not an issue for Leo Beenhakker's team as they prepare to face Germany in their Group B opener on Sunday.

Football focus
Krzynówek plays in the Bundesliga with VfL Wolfsburg and says his international team-mates do not even think about the two countries' past, let alone use it as motivation. "Football is a sport and the players always prepare themselves for football, nothing else," he said. "They try to distance themselves from what's around them, do their job and concentrate on the preparations – they leave behind all the sentiment of the past. We are not paying any attention to it.

Insider knowledge
"We're not thinking about what happened ten, 20 or 50 years ago. The important thing is that we are prepared to win this game against Germany and we are ready," added Krzynówek. "We will see what happens on Sunday but it's football, nothing else." The 32-year-old, who hopes to earn his 78th cap, will be an asset to coach Beenhakker given his knowledge of the German game. "I know their players and coach. They will be prepared and it will be a tough match for us. Germany are favourites but for now, teams are favourites only on paper."