Euro 2024: 'Best player in the world' Robert Lewandowski set to return for Poland against Austria in crunch Group D tie
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Published 20/06/2024 at 21:01 GMT
The "best player in the world", according to Poland manager Michal Probierz, will return for his international side in their Euro 2024 Group D match against Austria on Friday. After suffering defeat to the Netherlands in their opener, Poland face a crunch game in Berlin and the timing of Robert Lewandowski's comeback could not be better, something acknowledged by team-mate Wojciech Szczesny.
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Poland will be boosted by the presence of their record goalscorer Robert Lewandowski when they play Austria in their second Group D match at Euro 2024.
Lewandowski missed Poland’s opener against Netherlands due to a thigh injury but is expected to feature from the off in Friday’s match in Berlin.
Describing the 35-year-old as the “best player in the world”, Poland manager Michal Probierz stressed his importance.
“There is a big difference between having the best player in the world on the bench and whether he is available to play or not,” Probierz said.
Having suffered defeat to the Dutch, Probierz is aware that his side must avoid another loss to remain in the competition, but the 51-year-old laughed off suggestions he had suffered sleepless nights ahead of Friday’s game.
“Not at all, I can sleep all the time, I slept in the car on the way to this press conference," he said. "I have been a coach for 23 years. I have coached kids, at youth level and now the national team - it is the same at all levels.”
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Lewandowski will make 'a big difference' - Szczesny
Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny feels that having Lewandowski will “make a big difference” to his side’s chances of winning.
“He is the best Polish player of all time and regardless of how well others will play, because Adam Buksa played a very good match against the Netherlands - he scored a very important goal for us - the fact that Robert is on the pitch is changing our overall approach and our opponents' approach as well,” Szczesny said.
“It is natural that his presence can only help us. When it comes to Robert, the more leaders we have on the pitch, the better. Having him makes a big difference. Robert’s performance makes a big difference and I know the Austrians won’t be happy he is fit.”
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Wojciech Szczesny of Poland.
Image credit: Getty Images
Szczesny has faith that Poland will extend their stay in Germany and reach the knockout stages of the competition for the first time since Euro 2016.
“To come to Germany for two weeks, play three games and go home, I don’t want that,” said Szczesny.
“I want to fight for some higher aims and I believe this team can fight for it. I think tomorrow it is our little final and the most important moment of our tournament.”
Poland face France in their third group game on Tuesday.
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