Poland
Tactics
Leo Beenhakker used a 4-4-2 system when he started as Poland coach but now prefers 4-5-1. Boruc became undisputed first-choice keeper during the qualifiers and should keep the jersey despite a below-par performance in the friendly defeat by the United States in March.
Jop to come in?
Bak has been the mainstay of central defence for years and is often teamed with another highly experienced player, Zewlakow. But the latter, the squad’s most versatile defender, could well be used at left-back because Bronowicki, who played well there during the qualifiers, has gone off the boil. If Zewlakow goes left, Jop would come in to central defence. Wasilewski will take the right-back slot, for which Zewlakow also provides cover.
Treasured possession
Beenhakker aims to dominate midfield by retaining possession for as long as possible. The two defensive midfielders – Dudka and Lewandowski – play a crucial role in this. The wide midfielders are important for the team’s attacking thrust, using their pace and dribbling skills – Blaszczykowski or Lobodzinski on the right, Krzynowek or Smolarek on the left. If they work well, the strikers can count on their passes.
Zurawski can play as the lone striker but also as an attacking midfielder or out wide. Gargula and Krzynowek are other options in the attacking midfielder role. Smolarek could well take the striker role. Matusiak
is an option.
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