Image via @LaczyNasPilka on Twitter
It’s no strange feeling to come away from watching Poland start a tournament with a result that isn’t ideal; 18 months ago we had the dull, horrendous spectacle against Mexico at the World Cup, three years ago we saw Poland self-destruct against Slovakia, and so the list goes on. Yesterday afternoon was by no means the same, even if the result was familiar.
Hardly a shock if you’ve kept a close eye on Poland the last few months but Michał Probierz has got the Polish national side playing the best football, at least in my opinion, since Paulo Sousa was the Selekcjoner. Indeed, some fans would say this is the best Poland have played since the heady days of Adam Nawałka and 2016, but regardless we can all agree it’s such a massive step-up than what we were subjected to under the last two clowns who were in charge.
For me personally covering Poland, the contrast between their opening match of the World Cup and their opening game of Euro 2024 was almost comical in how stark it was. What sums it up to me was that 18 months ago Czesław Michniewicz packed his midfield with technical footballers just to launch it from goalkeeper to striker, whereas Probierz yesterday had technical footballers actually outplaying the Dutch at times.
Of course, it’s no surprise that eventually Holland won because the level of quality and the strength in depth available to Ronald Koeman was so immense, but Poland did not embarrass themselves. It’s a testament to the work Probierz has done in building the confidence of a team that was collapsing and losing to Moldova this time last year to coming within ten minutes of taking points from one of the best sides in Europe. It’s not just building the confidence that Probierz has done: it’s clear that tactically and personnel-wise he is able to switch things around whilst maintaining a similar level of performance.
Despite all the good football Poland played yesterday, the goal was the result of a well-taken corner flicked in at the near post. Adam Buksa played very well and the fact he made one of the world’s best defenders look uncertain at times, particularly in the first half, was quite remarkable.
Both goals conceded were avoidable from a Polish perspective, and both did require a little luck, but it would be irresponsible to suggest Poland were hard done by. The fact remains, however, that Poland performed well and have given everyone immense pride and joy despite a 1-2 scoreline.
One of the tricky things is determining who will start for Poland against Austria. Everyone who played a part today played well, with the possible exception of Sebastian Szymański, as he remains a little bit of an unknown quantity in a Poland shirt. When you add into the mix that Robert Lewandowski will almost certainly be back from injury to play a part, predicting a line-up gets even harder.
Austria are a good side, and will pose a different challenge than the Netherlands, but there is a real cause for optimism where Poland are concerned regardless of the results.
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