Founded: 1919 UEFA Affiliated: 1955 EURO Appearances: 1 EURO Titles: 0 FIFA Ranking: 27 Even though Poland have managed to play in seven World Cups, the East European nation will make a first appearance on the continental stage this summer. But what an unfortunate tie they have for their debut, which will be against European titans and three-time champions Germany in Klagenfurt. Poland have never beaten their mighty neighbors, who also outclassed the Polish in the 2006 World Cup, thanks to Miroslav Klose's strike. However, the Euro 2008 debutants showed what they can do against top teams in the qualifying campaign, which saw them denying 'Felipao's' Portugal twice. Apart from the Germany hurdle, Poland will have to face hosts, yet debutants, Austria in another regional clash. This summer's competition though could be vital experience for Poland before they host the event in 2012. History Poland's continental underachievement remains an enigma, looking at the team's impressive World Cup pedigree. The Polish have won third place twice in 1974 and 1982, inspired by performances of former legends Kazimierz Deyna, Zbigniew Boniek and Gregorz Lato.
Beenhakker Lato was a key member of the Polish football golden generation in the 70s, as the former striker holds the country's record of 104 international caps, and 45 goals. In Germany 1974, Lato hit seven goals to clinch the tournament's Golden Shoe. Coach: Leo Beenhakker (Dutch) Beenhakker is arguably the most experienced coach in the competition, given the variety of teams he managed in his brimming four-decade coaching career. He won three consecutive Primera Liga titles during his late 80s spell with Real Madrid, after which he helped Ajax clinch the Eredivisie title in 1990. He then went on to coach in Mexico, Switzerland, Turkey, Holland, in addition to a very brief spell with Saudi Arabia, where he was sacked without playing a single competitive game. The 65-year-old, who speaks more than six languages, led Trinidad & Tobago to a first ever World Cup finals appearance in 2006. A few months after the Germany finals, he was appointed Poland coach, leading the Eagles to the European showpiece for the first time as well. Tactics Artur Boruc is almost certain to guard Poland's goal, Lukasz Fabianski provides backup after injured Tomasz Kuszczak pulled out of the squad. Beenhakker normally uses a 4-4-2 system that might sometimes be switched into 4-5-1. Shakhtar Donetsk's Mariusz Lewandowski is a key man in midfield, as veteran Dariusz Dudka could partner him. The Polish team relies heavily on the pace of wingers Jacub Blaszczykowski and Jacek Krzynowek, who has a deadly left foot. Upfront, Ebi Smolarek is the main source of goals, alongside Maciej Zurawski, who has 16 international goals. Star Player - Ebi Smolarek
