Robert Lewandowski: Poland Have What it Takes to Win Euro 2016
Robert Lewandowski has a lot on his plate at the moment, regarding a potential transfer to Real Madrid, but is refusing to be drawn into these 'silly games' claiming he is "annoyed" by the speculation.
However, he has distanced himself from these reports as he focuses on his national team duties at the European Championships this summer claiming his side have what it takes to reach the knockouts at least, as he told ESPN"?"?"?.
He leads Poland in to France as captain of the side, who took his team by the scuff of the neck during qualification, with his 13 goals, the highest of anyone in the group stages.
"Everybody in Poland thought we would go and win the competition [Euro 2012]," he told ESPN FC. "The pressure in 2012 was partly self-created and unhelpful. This summer, I believe the confidence inside the camp is stronger. Beating the world champions Germany in the qualifying has opened our eyes to the potential of this team."
Poland came out 2-0 winners when they faced rival side Germany in October 2014 in Warsaw, just months after the Germans won the World Cup trophy in Brazil. This happened to be Poland's first ever win over Germany, a sign of the improvement and development this side has made.
"I play with Bayern players every day, I know them well, but for my team, the realisation that we can beat the very best was a huge boost to morale," Lewandowski recalls. "I don't think we ourselves had any firm idea as to our capabilities."
Poland's only defeat in qualifying came away at the Germans, the least of any other side in the group, but settled for second place after failing to beat the stern defence of Scotland on both occasions. However, it is the greatest progression the side has made for a long time, and Lewandowski believes credit's due to manager Adam Nawalka.
"It took a bit of time to get used to one another but Nawalka really understands this team now and we understand exactly what he wants from us," Lewandowski said. "That's why we've been able to put his plans into action really well. He's a very good coach. I'm curious myself how far we can go in France."
Poland have in fact been drawn into Germany's group for the tournament in France, as well as Ukraine and Northern Ireland. The teams opener comes against Northern Ireland, which is perhaps the weakest side in the group, so they will aiming to get a head start.
"Three points would take off the pressure ahead of our game with Germany, that would make it a lot easier for us. "? "? "And we'd still be able to control our own destiny going into the final match against the Ukraine. We are of course not favourites at the Euros, but we have a decent shot at getting quite deep into the tournament."
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