World Cup preview: High-scoring Poland faces stiff test in balanced group
Relatively unchanged from the squad that reached the Euro 2016 quarter-finals, Poland enters its first World Cup since 2006 with hopes of advancing beyond the group stage.
That success in France was largely credited to a defensive system that was impenetrable - until Poland finally conceded in the knockout stage thanks to a ridiculous overhead goal by Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri. A loss to eventual champion Portugal followed, but an increased attacking approach resulted in a comfortable World Cup qualifying campaign.
Only four teams topped the 28 goals Poland scored en route to booking a ticket to Russia, and the country's inspired supporters are expected to travel in great numbers.
Group stage schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time |
|---|---|---|
| June 19 | Senegal | 11:00 a.m. ET |
| June 24 | Colombia | 2:00 p.m. ET |
| June 28 | Japan | 10:00 a.m. ET |
Projected starting XI
A World Cup appearance was never really in doubt for a dominant Poland team that's shed its dependency on one player. The development of the supporting cast around Robert Lewandowski led to a scoring outburst in qualifying that only put Poland behind international powerhouses Belgium (43 goals), Germany (43), Spain (36), and Portugal (32).
Opponents will ultimately determine manager Adam Nawalka's approach, but Poland's past success with a 4-4-2 formation will minimise risks compared to using secondary schemes like a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 in what's been described as the Group of Death.
A dynamic attack could offset any deficiencies on defence and pave the way for a berth in the round of 16. While Lewandowski is one of the sport's most dangerous threats on goal, the added attention he draws could really benefit Poland if his teammates can take advantage of gaping holes in the final third.
Related: Full squad lists for each nation
Key player: Robert Lewandowski
The World Cup will no longer be deprived of one of the game's finest forwards when Robert Lewandowski leads Poland into Russia after years of coming up short in his quest to reach the tournament.
The Bayern Munich star led all scorers with 16 goals in qualifiers, and his performance will obviously be a major factor in determining the quality of Poland's run. The 29-year-old forward is a favourite to win the Golden Boot if his success carries over, and it could be Lewandowski's last chance to compete on the game's biggest stage while he's still one of football's best strikers.
Breakout star: Piotr Zielinski
Piotr Zielinski has all the tools to become one of the biggest breakout stars at the tournament. With another solid season under his belt, the demand for the Napoli midfielder is bound to pick up if his influence translates in Russia.
At just 24, Zielinski has already developed into one of the most important components in the heart of Poland's midfield. His composure with the ball and devastating ability to carve defences open with momentum-changing passes are well-documented. But it's Zielinski's effectiveness as a scoring threat that could prove vital if opponents neglect him while focusing their defensive efforts on Lewandowski.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)