Selection mistakes blamed in Poland World Cup flop
PR dla Zagranicy
Grzegorz Siwicki
03.09.2018 16:30
Mistaken line-up decisions and problems with mental preparation were among the possible reasons behind Poland failing to make their mark during this year’s football World Cup in Russia, according to a report.
Poland captain Robert Lewandowski. Photo: PAP/ Bartłomiej Zborowski
Mistakes may have been made in how the starting line-up was selected for the team's opening match at the tournament, according to the report, which has been drawn up by the staffers of the former Poland manager, Adam Nawałka.
The report, which Poland's football bosses disclosed on Monday, also said that there was "some tension inside the squad" in the months leading up to the World Cup as well as "nervousness and tension" among some players ahead of the team’s opener against Senegal, Poland's PAP news agency reported.
Former player Jerzy Brzęczek this summer took over as the new Poland manager to replace Nawałka after the national squad's early World Cup exit disappointed fans.
Poland failed to advance to the knockout phase of the 2018 World Cup after losing 1-2 to Senegal and 0-3 to Colombia in the group stage.
Poland won their final game, beating Japan 1-0, but finished bottom of their Group H and made an early exit from the tournament.
Poland’s sports minister has said that the national football team was knocked out of the World Cup in part because it was poorly prepared for the tournament physically.
The 2018 World Cup took place in Russia from June 14 to July 15.
(gs/pk)
Source: PAP