Poland at UEFA Euro 2016 | Squad and Stats.

Poland can surprise everyone!

Poland’s team is strong enough to make big surprise at UEFA Euro 2016! The White Eagles were very close to win their qualifying group, but they left in 2nd place, just 1 point behind Germany. However, Poland recorded very prestigious victories against The Mannschaft, Republic of Ireland and Georgia and registered only 1 defeat in 10 matches. Robert Lewandowski became the top goal-scorer of the qualifiers with 13 goals. The Bayern Munich’s forward will be the key player for Poland in the Euro 2016.

UEFA Euro 2016 will be the third European championship for Poland. The Polish national team has taken part in the Euro 2008 and 2012, but The White Eagles couldn’t reach the round of the direct eliminations. Moreover, the Polish national team has never recorded a victory at such stage. Their record from the two participations is, 3 draws and 3 defeats. While Poland haven’t achieved anything at the European championships, The White Eagles have become Olympic champions in 1972. They have also won the third place in the World Cup twice (in 1974 and 1982).

Poland have been drawn in Group C, alongside with the teams of Germany, Ukraine and Northern Ireland. The football experts give Poland serious chances of proceeding to the Round of 16. The White Eagles will start their participation at the Euro 2016 on 12th June against Northern Ireland. The last match between these two teams finished with a 1-1 draw (in 2009). Then, Poland will face Germany and Ukraine. Adam Nawalka’s players always struggle when playing against Germany, so their main efforts will be directed to the other two matches.

The Squad:

• Goalkeepers: Lukasz Fabianski, Wojciech Szczesny, Artur Boruc.
• Defenders: Thiago Cionek, Lukasz Piszczek, Kamil Glik, Michal Pazdan, Bartosz Salamon, Jakub Wawrzyniak, Artur Jedrzejczyk.
• Midfielders: Krzysztof Maczynski, Piotr Zielinski, Gregorz Krychowiak, Jakub Blasczykowski, Bartosz Kapustka, Karol Linetty, Tomasz Jodlowiec, Filip Starzynski, Slawomir Peszko.
• Forwards: Arkadiusz Milik, Robert Lewandowski, Kamil Grosicki, Mariusz Stepinski.

Austria matches at the Euro 2016:

• 12/06/16 | Poland 1-0 Northern Ireland | Allianz Riviera (Nice)
• 16/06/16 | Germany vs. Poland | Stade de France (Paris)
• 21/06/16 | Ukraine vs. Poland | Stade Vélodrome (Marseille)

Robert Lewandowski will be the star man in Poland’s selection, but he will be supported by 22-year-old Ajax’s forward Arkadiusz Milik, who has scored 10 goals in 26 matches with Poland’s colours. Jakub Blasczykowski will have to pull the strings in midfield. The 30-year-old Fiorentina’s midfielder is now experienced enough and will be very helpful to his team. He has scored 16 goals in 76 matches for his nation. Jakub Wawrzyniak, alongside with Kamil Glik are very strong defenders, who are expected to keep the strikers quiet. Lukasz Fabianski will surely be the first choice for the goalkeeper’s position.

Our group at Euro 2016 is formidable. The Germans are the favourites and the others, Ukraine and Northern Ireland, will be fighting to get out of the group. But we are ready and confident of moving to the next stage. There is a healthy rivalry within the squad and it pleases me a lot. We are prepared mentally, and aware that we are progressing constantly in terms of defence and attack. We are optimistic.Adam Nawalka