World Cup Preview - Group A - Poland

Poland

Nickname: The Polka Boys?

Coach: Pawel Janas.

Game Schedule:
June 9 – Poland vs. Ecuador (3 p.m. EST)
June 14 – Poland vs. Germany (3 p.m.)
June 20 – Poland vs. Costa Rica (10 a.m.)

Prospects: Poland has been in the third tier of European sides for some time now – their last great side in the 70s – often qualifying through knock-out games at the end of qualifying matches, as they did this time, qualifying second out of the same group with England. They have a tight, organized side that has played together for some years now. The news, however, is not good. Nigerian-born Emmanuel Olisadebe has been out injured for Portsmouth all season and is unlikely to make the trip. Recent friendly losses at home to the U.S. and Lithuania haven’t inspired much confidence either. Yet, in a weak group, they should finish second and would be a dream second-round opponent for England, should Sven’s boys come first in its group.

Big Media Story: Will Olisadebe make the squad?

Key Player: Liverpool keeper Jerzy Dudek. He’ll need to keep the goals out if the Poles are to move forward.

Youngster to watch: 20 year-old Nurnberg schemer Jacek Krzynowek.

Who Will Get the Goals: Celtic striker Maciej Zurawski.

Who Will Get the Cards: Feyenoord hacker Tomasz Rzasa.

Funniest Name: They’re all fairly unpronounceable. But I fancy Brozek – the Sting of Warsaw.

Prediction: They’ll squeak through the first round matches and then go out to Sweden in the Round of Sixteen.

~Bob