Poland aims to shock the world at Euro 2024, insists Robert Lewandowski: "In football, anything can happen"
The soccer world has witnessed some incredible upsets that have etched unforgettable moments into the game's history. So, could Poland be ready for another major surprise at Euro 2024?
For even the most enthusiastic Poland and soccer fans, such an outcome would seem almost unfathomable.
But not Robert Lewandowski, the country's renowned striker, who sees things differently.
"In football, anything can happen. You have to believe, and we have the hope," Lewandowski commented during the inaugural Globe Soccer Awards Europe Edition in Sardinia, Italy. "If we play as a team, really, we can make something happen. I'm not sure what it means in the end, but in football, anything is possible."
Poland's journey towards the tournament wasn't easy. A disappointing qualifying campaign and two humiliating defeats to Moldova and Albania resulted in head coach Fernando Santos' departure and the appointment of Michał Probierz, Poland's fifth coach in three years. Unable to progress from the group directly, Poland tumbled to third place. Yet, they made it to the finals after defeating Wales in the playoffs. However, expectations don't seem high.
However, the 'Swansong' mentality might be just what Poland needs to spring a surprise. With the support of a large, passionate fan base traveling from Poland, Lewandowski emphasized the importance of seizing every opportunity.
"Every big tournament has some teams facing difficulties, and you need to be prepared to win the game and collect the points," said Lewandowski. "We are playing in Germany, the country just across Poland's border. So, we're expecting a lot of fans from Poland to be there, and we're very excited."
Their path won't be easy. Poland is in a tough group with two-time European champions France, the Netherlands, and Austria – all ranked higher than them. The only chance to advance may be as one of the best third-placed teams. But having achieved the unthinkable before, Poland knows it's not impossible.
Lewandowski understands the challenges but believes in leveraging the underdog status and drawing from past experiences.
"We're in a very tough group, but we're prepared," the optimistic striker said. "We're playing good football right now. We know we're not the tournament favorites in the group stage, but this is football. Sometimes, just one day, one game, or 90 minutes can change everything... I'm feeling very positive about this event."
Germany holds sentimentality for Lewandowski, who rose to stardom in this country during his 12 years with Dortmund and Bayern Munich. He helped them win multiple Bundesliga titles before back-to-back European Records as Bayern's all-time top scorer. Lewandowski will return to Berlin and Dortmund to play against Austria and France, respectively.
"I know the people, the culture, almost everything," Lewandowski said, smiling. "And it will be really exciting to play in these prestigious stadiums, not only in Dortmund, where I spent four years, but also Berlin."
Germany could also be the perfect finale for Lewandowski's international career. Joining Poland for his sixth major tournament, the 35-year-old didn't mention retirement but suggested it could depend on various factors.
"[Regarding retirement], I can't say yes or no," he admitted. "It depends on many different things, many options."
The key, for him, seems to be his physical wellbeing. For now, he is feeling great, and retirement isn't on his mind.
"If I get a sense deep within me that it's maybe time to say our goodbyes, then I'll know the time has come. But up until now, I haven't experienced this type of feeling, so I'm still not considering it," says Lewandowski.
Though Poland undoubtedly has his attention, Ukraine's progress in the tournament matters to him deeply, too.
Lewandowski has been a steadfast supporter of the embattled nation and a voice for refugees since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. He even tried to postpone Poland's match against Russia and donned Ukraine's armband at the Qatar World Cup, which was given to him prior to the event by ex-captain and coach Andriy Shevchenko.
Although Ukraine narrowly missed out on qualifying for Qatar, they earned a spot at the Euros with a last-minute comeback against Iceland in a playoff final in March.
Currently, Poland hosts almost one million Ukrainian refugees, as per UN data.
Ukraine's group stage matches include playing against Romania on June 17, followed by Slovakia and then Belgium. Lewandowski is optimistic about the team's participation in Germany, believing it can bring hope to the country.
"They faced a similar situation before the World Cup and almost made it, and now they have succeeded," he said.
"In difficult times, having a positive outlet like football that captures the world's attention could make people proud of Ukraine," he added.
"It's likely that the Ukrainian people are eagerly anticipating their first match."
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Despite the difficult qualifying campaign and humiliating defeats, Poland managed to advance to Euro 2024 through the playoffs. Lewandowski, the country's star striker, remains optimistic about their chances, stating, "In football, anything can happen."
With France, the Netherlands, and Austria in their group, Poland knows they have a challenging path ahead. However, Lewandowski believes that their underdog status can work in their favor, as they've proved before.
