Arriving in neighbouring Germany on a five-match winning streak, Poland will play their fifth straight major tournament this summer, hoping to progress to the knockout phase despite a tough group-stage draw.
Though those hopes have been hit by Robert Lewandowski’s recent injury, which leaves the Eagles without their talisman for Sunday’s opener at least, they are riding a wave of momentum.
It could all have been very different, but after the failed experiment of putting Euro 2016 winner Fernando Santos in charge was swiftly curtailed, current coach Michal Probierz was appointed – and to great effect.
Poland only finished third in a weak qualifying group, but beating Estonia and then Wales – the latter by virtue of a dramatic penalty shootout – saw them through the playoffs and into the draw for the finals.
This month, the Eagles reconvened to play two warm-up friendlies, and having seen off 2012 co-hosts Ukraine 3-1 they then went on to beat Turkey 2-1 on Monday – five different players scored, giving hope that Lewandowski’s absence will not prove too harmful.
However, precedent is certainly not on their side; Poland have won just two of 14 matches at the Euros to date, and ahead of their first meeting with the Netherlands at a major tournament, they are winless in 12 games against the Oranje since 1979
Now taking part in their 11th European Championship, the Netherlands famously lifted the trophy when UEFA’s main event was last held exclusively in Germany – back in 1988, when Marco van Basten’s memorable volley helped them to victory in the final.
Only the Germans have reached more semi-finals since then, but the Oranje have not made it to the last four in some 20 years and Ronald Koeman’s current squad are keen to put that right.
Also faced by favourites France and improving Austria in Group D, their first task will be to successfully negotiate their way to the knockout rounds, and recent results suggest that should be well within their capabilities.
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After last week’s 4-0 win over Canada, the Netherlands crushed Iceland by the same scoreline on Monday, having won four of their previous six matches – the only exceptions coming against top-tier opponents, France and Germany.
The Dutch squad, then, will be brimful of confidence for Sunday’s contest in Hamburg, and their lack of a Lewandowski-like striker has not proved a major impediment so far.
Captain Virgil van Dijk scored in both warm-up wins, and he leads a defence stacked with impressive performers; Frenkie de Jong’s absence in midfield may dent dreams of going all the way, but much is expected of Koeman’s men this summer.
