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Poland
The last time Poland made the World Cup, in 1986, stars like Zbiginiew Boniek and Jacki Dziekanowski were still terrorizing opposing defenses. It took the Eastern European nation a while to find a new group of players who could perform on the world stage, but they've found them now and they're ready to shine once again.
Poland has finished third at the World Cup two times, and although they aren't likely make it that far in 2002, they could cause a few surprises.
As the countdown to the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan continues, CNNSI.com's Pedro Pinto will take a close look at all of the nations that will contend for football's greatest prize.
Pinto is an anchor on World Sport, the international sports show that airs live on CNN/Sports Illustrated and CNN International.
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Poland reached its historical zenith under the Jagiellonian dynasty in the years following the union with Lithuania in 1386 and the subsequent defeat of the Teutonic Knights in 1410. The monarchy survived many upheavals but eventually went into a decline that ended with the final partition of Poland in 1795. Today, ethnic Poles comprise almost 98 percent of Poland's total population of approximately 38.6 million. Recent political instability and a likely impending return to a socialist-led government do not appear to threaten the vibrant economy, Central Europe's undisputed powerhouse.
Provided by CountryWatch.com
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Manager Wladyslaw Engel has built a well-balanced side. With a solid goalkeeper in Jerzy Dudek, and a flat back four, Poland likes to attack in waves.
Three midfielders are normally deployed to serve three front men: Emmanuel Olisadebe, Arkadiusz Bak and Marcin Zewlakow. The 4-3-3 formation could leave a lot of holes at the back, but it didn't show in qualifying with the team conceding 11 goals in 10 games.
The Poles are strong in the air, and disciplined tactically, two qualities that will serve them well in the finals. They are not intimidated easily, and that was shown in convincing wins in the Ukraine and Norway on the road to the World Cup.
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Emmanuel Olisadebe. Born in Nigeria three days before Christmas in 1978, he moved to Poland at age 18 after being spotted playing in local games in Lagos. He made an immediate impact with club Polonia and it seemed that it would be a matter of time before he would be called up to the Nigerian side. But since that never happened, and considering the fact he married a Polish language teacher, he was convinced to adopt Polish citizenship. What a move that proved to be as he scored eight goals in 10 qualifiers. He has been doing the business as well at club level, hitting the back of the net consistently with Panathinaikos of Greece.
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They may have firepower up front, but they miss a true No. 10, a player who they can depend on to create goals. Both wingers send in a lot of crosses, but Poland still needs one reference the strikers can count on to provide through balls. If the midfield trio is well-marked, they will have trouble in finding a link to the front line.
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None of the current squad members have participated in the finals of a major international event, and that could hurt the side. It will be up to players like Olisadebe, Tomasz Klos and Marek Kozminski, who all play at top European clubs, to inspire the rest of the squad if the team gets off to a bad start. |
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Poland finished in first place in Group 5 in European qualifying. They played 10 matches, winning six, drawing three and losing one (4-1 to Belarus after clinching first place). They were the first European nation (other than holder France) to guarantee a spot in the finals, doing so on the Sept. 1.
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Poland has played in six World Cups, dating back to 1938. They have won 12 games, drawn four and lost seven. They finished in third place in 1974 and 1982.
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Poland showed no problems scoring goals in the qualifying section, netting 21 times in 10 games. And they did it against quality opposition like Ukraine and Norway. The defense is experienced and physically intimidating, but can be slow at times, and that could cost them a few goals. With a bit of luck, Poland could sneak into the second round, but they don't have the international experience to make it any further.
How far will Poland go in the World Cup? View Instant Poll Results
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