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Poland comes into the World Cup as a bit of an unknown. They won their qualifying group in Europe, which is saying something. But at the same time, how much of that was the addition of the Nigerian-born striker, Emmanuel Olisadebe.
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While it has had a limited number of actual World Cup games, Poland has made its mark when they have been in the Finals, coming in third in 1974. With the new striker, this is a team to be feared by all in the group.
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The above photo is an example of our preparations for the USA-Jamaica qualifier -- which here includes Our Friend, Jack.
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Poland, officially ranked 33rd by FIFA (but you know how I feel about those rankings,) has the unenviable task of taking on the host country right out of the gate. No pressure there, huh? The Korea-Poland match is scheduled for June 4 in Busan. Poland then plays the behemoth of Portugal on June 10 in Jeonju, finishing up against the Yanks on June 14 in Daejeon. If they don't get a win against Korea (which I think will be difficult), it could all be over but the crying by the time Poland gets to the third game...
One of the issues every team in this group but Korea will have to deal with is the travel. Remember that aside from Brazil winning in Sweden, no team has won outside it's Western or Eastern Hemisphere. That will throw most teams outside Korea, Japan, China and Russia (and Saudi Arabia possibly to a lesser extent) for quite a loop. One of the things to watch may be which teams adapt better -- a place where inexperience may be a hinderance.
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These are the best links I have found so far. I am hoping to find an official site soon...
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 klindstr@flash.net
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