2022 World Cup

Poland travel to Qatar in an optimistic mood, riding on the wings of what is probably Robert Lewandowski’s final World Cup. They’ll be looking to do what they’ve failed to since 1986 and qualify for the knockouts and he’ll be key to it—as will a number of in-form players in support.

It’s actually pretty remarkable that the Eagles are ramping up to this tournament in good nick, as it was only last Christmas their manager Paulo Sousa walked out on them and they were forced into an emergency re-appointment.

Who is the Poland manager?

Czesław Michniewicz stepped up and steadied the ship. He was a controversial appointment, having come from a turbulent spell in domestic football, but time was of the essence given the looming playoff fixtures.

What tactics can we expect from them at the World Cup?

The formation he deploys seems to flip between 4-2-3-1 and 3-5-2 depending on the phase, with some flexible players in midfield and wing-back helping switch the look.

Who are the players to watch for Poland?

The system makes good use of Poland’s strong centre-back corps, two influential wing-backs in Matty Cash and Nicola Zalewski, and it supports Lewandowski well with some creative, confident midfielders.
Chief among that support act is Piotr Zielinski, who is having a stormer of a season with Serie A league leaders Napoli. 

 

He’s a very modern attacking midfielder: Capable of driving with the ball, picking a pass and sniping on goal from 20+ yards. It’s absolutely crucial that Poland don’t fall into the trap of relying on one player, and guys like Zielinski help balance things out.

Who is favourite to be top scorer for Poland?

That said, for objectives to actually be achieved, Lewandowski will need to fire.

He scored nine in qualifying, second only to Harry Kane and Memphis who each got 12 in the UEFA zone, and that’s par for the course for him. What isn’t par for the course, though, is netting in the tournament itself; he only has five at Euros and World Cups in total, so he does have a little something to prove.

Perhaps the rise of Karol Swiderski, or the form of Zielinski or Sebastian Szymanski, can all help to relieve pressure and help Lewandowski cook.

How did Poland qualify for the World Cup?

To even get to this point, Poland have really been through it. England topped the qualifying group leaving the Eagles to battle it out with Albania for 2nd - and that really was a battle.

Then came the playoffs, the uncertainty surrounding a bout with Russia which was eventually cancelled, leaving Sweden in the way of a spot in Qatar. Michniewiecz secured a 2-0 win in just his 2nd game in charge, under the most severe of pressures, to spark celebrations nationwide.

What are the ambitions for this Poland team?

Now it’s about doing the business at the tournament proper, and the aim is to play at least four games. They’ve been drawn with Argentina, a true favourite, but also Mexico and Saudi Arabia, who don’t look great at all.

Poland World Cup Odds

That makes Poland the de facto 2nd strongest team in this group and means qualifying is more of an expectation than a hope. Anything beyond that may be a stretch, though.

The odds suggest the same with the Poles a big 250/1 to win the tournament.

Poland World Cup prediction from oddschecker

Similar to Group G there is one clear winner for Group C. Argentina are one of the favourites to win the World Cup this year so will most likely top the group. We feel Poland are the best of the rest left in their group and will finish second. After that point they face tougher competition and we feel this is where they will fall. A round of 16 elimination for the Poles.