It's finally time, the whole country has been waiting. It finally starts on Friday. The test matches are through and the pressure is huge. Our fans clearly expect that we get through the group. But that is also good...
It's finally time, the whole country has been waiting. It finally starts on Friday. The test matches are through and the pressure is huge. Our fans clearly expect that we get through the group. But that is also good...
Every football player should have the chance to play a major international tournament in their home country at least once. And the Euro 2012 is that chance - as well as the career highlight - for Poland native Sebastian Prödl. Despite a months-long injury break, the Werder defender has made his way into the preliminary Euro 2012 squad for the tournament co-hosts. Boenisch, who became U21 European champion in 2009 for Germany, will be regularly reporting for WERDER.DE about his experiences with the Polish national team to bring Werder fans closer to the neighbouring country, its people and the football culture there. Have fun!
PART 4
"Witam Werder fans!"
It's finally time, the whole country has been waiting. It finally starts on Friday. The test matches are through and the pressure is huge. Our fans clearly expect that we get through the group. But that is also good because that pushes us forward. We will be positively influenced by our hopes.
The best thing would be if we win the group so that we would face off against the second team from Germany's group. But I don't mind either way - the main thing is advancing, even if that means against Germany. That would be a dream. I have already told Tim Wiese that he can get tickets from me for the semi-final if he is out of the tournament. All kidding aside, we can't even starting thinking about something like that. Getting out of the group is the mission. Whoever comes after that we don't care.
We have a lot of confidence in our ranks because we have some really strong guys and a great team. At the top is goal machine Robert Lewandowski. He played a tremendous season. It's not easy to score more than 20 goals in Germany. He is set in the attack. He is a candidate for the scoring champion of this Euro.
Offensive football bringing them to the quarter-finals - Poland's goal.
Regarding myself, of course I hope for a spot in the starting line-up. During my long injury break, Jakub Wawrzyniak from Legia Warsaw played my position. He did a good job, but I am at the Euro to play. I wanted to make that clear in the preparations. And I believe that I can achieved it despite much competition.
I am looking forward to this tournament because head coach Frantisek Smuda said we would play offensive football, which the Polish national team has not been known for in the past. This fits me personally. I know that from Werder. If you dictate the game, then the opponents use up a lot of energy. On the other hand, you also cannot just pack it in the back at the level of the Euro. That may work for 60 or 70 minutes but eventually you will concede a goal. Our coach knows what he's doing and will prepare us perfectly.
