One-sided predictions
Even before the start of the European Championship, the available odds indicated that the Polish national team would not be the favorite in any group-stage match. This was therefore quite a different situation from the previous major tournaments. Back then, the Poles were favorites in at least one match, although this did not always end in success.
Even before the start of the June training camp, statements appeared in the media suggesting that the expectations surrounding Poland’s appearance at the Euros were not inflated as they had been for previous events. The Poles nevertheless raised supporters’ expectations after very good performances in friendly matches. Poland first defeated Ukraine in a warm-up match at the National Stadium, and then also managed to overcome Turkey. Let us recall that these are two teams that are also competing at the European Championship. More important than the victories, however, was the way the Polish national team played. A huge transformation compared with what the previous coach had offered was visible. Poland began building play from the back, which pleased the fans. Many people wondered, however, how Michał Probierz would approach the match against the Netherlands. After all, there was no doubt that this was a team with far greater potential than the White and Reds.
At press conferences, the coach of our team had already announced that there would be no changes to the way Poland wanted to play, regardless of who our opponent was. Bookmakers had no doubt before the match against the Netherlands that our opponent was a firm favorite. The odds on a Netherlands victory were so low that one could say that any other result would have been considered a sensation.
What Was Missing Against the Netherlands?
Preparation for the match against the Netherlands was disrupted by injuries. After the final friendly before the start of Euro 2024, three key players suffered injuries. Karol Świderski, Paweł Dawidowicz and Robert Lewandowski paid the price of the preparations with injuries, and two key players did not take the field during the match against the Netherlands. Only Karol Świderski was ready to play, and then only from the bench.
Adam Buksa played in place of Robert Lewandowski during the match against the Netherlands. It must be admitted that he made use of the opportunity given to him by the coach, and we are not talking only about the goal he scored from a corner. Buksa did a tremendous amount of work for his team, providing an outlet in the opponent’s half and winning many valuable fouls. Perhaps such a good performance will also earn him a place in the next match against Austria. The coach will have a major dilemma here, however, because Robert Lewandowski is also expected to be ready to play. Michał Probierz may decide to change the tactical system in order to use both players.
At the press conference after the match, the coach of the Polish national team pointed out the aspects that had been missing from our players’ performance. One of the main elements was experience and the ability to take advantage of key moments in the match. Unfortunately, the Poles were unable to do this, while the Netherlands did it perfectly.
Poland has every right to be pleased with the style in which it played against the Netherlands, but unfortunately football does not award points for attractive play. This means that after the first match, the White and Reds have a round zero points. Most experts, as well as the bookmakers, expected a Netherlands victory, but objectively speaking, our players performed better than could have been expected. There was certainly no reason to be ashamed; in fact, there is optimism and hope for the upcoming matches.
The Fight for Qualification Continues!
A first defeat at a major tournament never means elimination from the fight for qualification. The Poles certainly realize that they still have two chances to improve their situation in the group. Ahead of us are matches against Austria and France. On paper, it seems that Michał Probierz’s players will have a much easier task in Friday’s match against Austria. This is nevertheless a team that performed very well in its first Euro 2024 match, similarly to Poland, but did not earn any points. Austria came very close to taking a valuable point from the main favorite to win the European Championship: France. This only shows that the match between these teams will probably decide the issue of qualification for the knockout stage. Unless the match in Berlin ends in a draw, which would leave the status quo before the final round.
In the final match, the Polish national team will face its most difficult task. This is, of course, the clash with France. It is nevertheless possible that France will have already secured qualification for the next round, perhaps even in first place. This could lead to changes in the Tricolours’ starting lineup. Poland will have a better chance against this opponent if Didier Deschamps decides to field substitutes. Let us recall that the last meeting between Poland and France took place at the World Cup in Qatar, where the Tricolours proved superior. Before that clash takes place, however, both teams must fulfill their duties in the second round.
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Author of the article: Mateusz Nowak – Senior Project Manager, editor-in-chief of Zagranie, graduate of sports journalism and sports management at UAM, and a football fan!