Can Poland Reclaim World Cup Glory?
In the heart of Valletta, at the bustling Strait Street, the echoes of football chants still resonate from the 2004 European Championship. Poland, the underdog, had just shocked the continent. But can they repeat that magic on the global stage, at the World Cup?
From Euphoria to Disappointment
The Polish national team’s journey has been a rollercoaster ride. After their heroics in 2004, they qualified for the next three Euros and even reached the quarter-finals in 2016. But the World Cup has been a different story. They’ve missed out on qualification three times since 2006, including the heartbreaking loss to North Macedonia in 2017.
New Hope with Paulo Sousa
Enter Paulo Sousa, the Portuguese manager who took over in January 2021. He’s no stranger to success, having won the Portuguese Cup with Braga and the Turkish Super Lig with Trabzonspor. But can he replicate that success with the Polish national team?
Sousa has brought a new style of play, focusing on possession and pressing. He’s also given opportunities to young players like Krystian Bielik and Kacper Kozłowski. But the results have been mixed. They’ve beaten England and drew with Spain, but also lost to Hungary and Andorra.
Qualifying Campaign: A Crucial Test
The 2022 World Cup qualifiers will be a stern test for Sousa and his team. They’re drawn in a tough group with England, Hungary, Albania, Andorra, San Marino, and the winners of the playoff path between Iceland and Romania. The top two teams will qualify automatically, with the third-placed team entering the playoffs.
The campaign starts in March 2021 with a home game against England. It’s a daunting task, but it’s not impossible. Poland has the talent, and Sousa has the experience. The question is, can they put it all together on the pitch?
