Poland-Czech Republic 2:1. Back On Track.

This is why we support an usually underperforming team like Poland. It’s because once every two years we get to see our guys thrashing a superior opposition. Once in a while we really look like a team that can compete with anyone in the world. Two years ago it was Portugal, this time we gave our best against the Czech Republic.

Poland- Czech Republic 2:1 (Brozek 27′, Blaszczykowski 53′- Fenin 87′)
Poland: Artur Boruc-Marcin Wasilewski, Michal Zewlakow, Dariusz Dudka, Jakub Wawrzyniak (43′ Jacek Krzynowek)-Jakub Blaszczykowski, Mariusz Lewandowski, Rafal Murawski (90′ Tomasz Jodlowiec), Euzebiusz Smolarek, Roger Guerreiro-Pawel Brozek (69′ Robert Lewandowski).

Although not supported by any objective predictions , I had a good feeling before this game. There were just too many similarities to what happened two years ago. I felt even better when I saw the Czech’s squad. Kovac, Slepicka, Plasil, Pospech and Sirl in midfield? Doesn’t look too offensive and creative, does it? Suprisingly, it was the Czech coach that was afraid of us, not the other way round. It all showed on the field. Basically, we controlled the game from the first minute. Reason for this? Central midfield and possession play. M.Lewandowski supported the defence and Roger was concentrated purely on offence. But the key to our controlling the game was Rafal Murawski. He was a mixture of an offensive and defensive midfielder. He supported Lewandowski when needed, but at the same time ran forward anytime we were close to the Czech’s penalty box. He was this extra player in our offensive line, something that Xavi often performs for Barcelona. What about possession play? This is something that Leo is obsessed about. This time, however, Polish possession play didn’t mean passing the ball between defenders, but passing it forward as soon as possible. Blaszczykowski, Roger, Murawski and Smolarek have good enough first touch not to lose the ball under pressure. As a result, defenders weren’t afraid to pass forward even when our midfielders were covered. This was a joy to watch, we looked like a classy, confident team. What I like most is that our first goal wasn’t a result of an accidental counter or a set piece. It was a result of at least 15 minutes’ spell when we managed to create numerous half-chances. Two aspects enabled us to score: Blaszczykowski’s never-say-die attitude and Brozek’s confidence. Blaszczu could’ve easily settled for a free kick, but he just desperately wanted to push the ball forward. Brozek’s shot? How many times have you seen him shooting from outside the penalty area? This shot only further proved that the Wisla striker has finally matured enough to become a valuable addition to the national team. Artur Boruc also deserves a mention as he saved us twice in the first half. He was just too big in our goal for the Czech’s strikers.

I expected that the Czechs will dominate the second half, but it just didn’t happen, at least at first. Petr Rada decided not to use any substitutes, which I think was his fatal mistake. Our second goal was Blaszczykowski saying “Yes Mr Benitez, I’m ready to play for your club”. The finish was just exquisite, same as Roger’s opening pass. The Czechs were on their knees. What followed was a mature performance from Bialo Czerwoni, who didn’t really enable the Czechs to create any clear opportunities. Even Jacek Krzynowek looked very confident on the left back position. Rada finally decided to bring on more offensive players, but it resulted only in a single goal for the Czechs. Poland was confident, Poland played like a top European team, Poland deserved this victory like on no other day. Thanks guys; thanks for reinstalling this belief in fans.

Player ratings:

Artur Boruc 7: saved our asses twice in the first half; Baros’ shot was especially dangerous. Showed enormous mental strength as he returned to the team from a two-match ban.
Jakub Wawrzyniak 5: the least confident of our defenders, enabled Baros to almost go one on one with Boruc. Should’ve scored after a magical pass by Roger.
Dariusz Dudka 6: better than expected, may as well become our regular in central defence after this game.
Michal Zewlakow 7: the leader of our defensive line, didn’t lose his head one time.
Marcin Wasilewski 6: no catastrophe from Wasyl as he played with a cool head this time.
Mariusz Lewandowski 7: covered for defenders and Murawski when they went forward. Knew when to gain some time and keep the ball.
Rafal Murawski 8: finally a Lech like performance, instrumental in defence as well as offence. Confident on the ball (remember that back heel?), showed great movement.
Ebi Smolarek 6: this wasn’t his game, which doesn’t mean he played bad. A crucial player in our offensive buildup, kept the ball or dribbled when needed.
Jakub Blaszczykowski 9: a great assist and even a better goal. A constant threat. Leo wasn’t exaggerating when he said that he’s as important for Poland as Christiano Ronaldo for Portugal.
Roger Guerreiro 8: for me it was the best performance from an offensive midfielder for Poland since Mirek Szymkowiak in 2006 WC qualifiers. Great first touch, fast decisions and a number of opening passes.
Pawel Brozek 8: he was born for the national team on Saturday night. Good movement, link-up play and a shot that nobody expected of him.
Jacek Krzynowek 6: no mistakes in defence, used his experience to gain some time in the dying minutes of the game. Gave ground to feel more confident about him at left back.
Robert Lewandowski 6: ran after every ball played forward, did what was expected of him.
Tomasz Jodlowiec: a great game for a first cap, even when you didn’t touch the ball.

Conclusions:

- we have a game to build our qualifying campaign on.
- Leo’s magic was back, at least for one day.
- this team has a new leader: Jakub Blaszczykowski.
- Artur Boruc is back for good.
- Dariusz Dudka may have won the casting for a central defender playing next to Michal Zewlakow.
- our offensive power is far greater once Rafal Murawski starts believing in his skills.
- now we know why Roger gained Polish citizenship, it was those passes.
- older players (Zewlakow, M.Lewandowski, Krzynowek) still can be of some use, just don’t expect them to lead the team in every single game.
- Pawel Brozek is ready for an international career.

I read your interesting discussion about Ebi under the last post. I think he played well, he just wasn’t the hero this time. In my opinion, a players of his skills is still valuable to the team.

Now it’s crucial to carry this performance forward. By this I mean at least a draw against Slovakia. Now we know our players are certainly capable of that.

Highlights:

Sorry for the lack of pics, but there are some problems with publishing them.