Euro 2008 - Leo: "I've picked team for Germany"

Eurosport - Mon, 02 Jun 12:26:00 2008

Poland coach Leo Beenhakker has already decided on his starting XI to play Germany at Euro 2008 on June 8.

2008 Poland Leo Beenhakker - 0

The Dutchman said Sunday's 1-1 draw with Denmark would have no effect on his selection for the tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

"Even before the game, I had a plan regarding the starting XI for the game against Germany," Beenhakker said.

"Now everything depends on whether the players will remain healthy and be able to play against our first group rivals."

Beenhakker even went as far as naming seven of his likely side to play the favourites, although Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is likely to be on the bench.

"I am happy with the form of Artur Boruc. He is playing at the level that I demand. The situation with Lukasz Fabianski is the same.

"Mariusz Jop, Jacek Bak, Dariusz Dudka and Mariusz Lewandowski showed that they are strong points of our team. We also have Michal Zewlakow and Jakub Blaszczykowski who will resume training on Monday."

Former Celtic striker Maciej Zurawski missed a spot-kick against Denmark but the coach backed him to retain penalty-taking duties.

"Better players than Zurawski have missed penalties and I have no intention of changing the first choice penalty taker. But of course we will practise penalties this week," he said.

"I can say that the training camp we had in Donaueschingen was one of the best in my coaching career.

"I am taking into consideration all the details - from the quality of the hotel to the commitment of the players. Initially we had a problem as the players were in different form but we solved this problem.

Beenhakker also paid tribute to the Polish fans for helping the Brazilian-born Roger, who received a Polish passport in April, to settle.

"I would like to thank the fans for the way they welcomed Roger. He has already fitted well in the team and things will get better and better," he said.

Pawel Dimow / Eurosport

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  1. hey im irish an im flyin 2 salzburg on saturday 2 support poland wit my polish friends....poland 2 win euro 2008....polska bialo czerwoni

    From d.oneill99, on Tue 3 Jun 5:41PM
  2. Thanks to all English fans supporing Poland,
    Polishman

    From andrzejboron, on Tue 3 Jun 12:36PM
  3. Poland have a slight chance of winning the Euro but I think croatia and Germany are to good.

    From Lawrence S, on Tue 3 Jun 1:00AM
  4. WE ARE RED WE ARE WHITE WE ARE POLISH DYNAMITE! :) geetings to all and enjoy Euro'08!

    From Michael R, on Mon 2 Jun 11:29PM
  5. keep my fingers crossed for you!!!! good luck!

    From Mercedes B, on Mon 2 Jun 11:16PM
  6. Poland the winner of Euro '08 Everything is possible

    From marek.roter, on Mon 2 Jun 10:22PM
  7. Poland could be a big suprise this summer!!

    From as1manu, on Mon 2 Jun 8:31PM
  8. Go Poland--it's not the best team in the world, but clearly underated!

    From at_mich, on Mon 2 Jun 3:50PM
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