Poland look strong coming into Euro 2008, however, Euro 2008 odds would suggest that the Leo Beenhakker’s men will be making an early exit.
Poland, a power in world football in the 1970s, are now back at the top table after more than a decade in the doldrums. Poland finished third in two World Cups, 1974 and 1982, but are making their very first appearance at the European Championships this year.
Coach Leo Beenhakker was named Man of the Year for 2007 by a Polish magazine when they won qualifying Group A after losing their first game at home against Finland, and Poland arrive at their first European Championship finals on a high wave of form, even if their odds to win Euro 2008 don’t reflect their strength, – Poland won six games in a row to beat Portugal into second place in their qualifying group, and owe no small debt of thanks to Real Santander’s Euzebiusz Smolarek, who scored nine goals in the qualifying campaign.
The combination of the prolific Smolarek and veteran coach Beenhakker make Poland the likely second qualifier in their group, although they will be aware of the threat posed by the resurgent Croats. The final group game between Poland and Croatia at Klagenfurt on June 16 looks crucial.
