Poles’ huge following will prop their efforts at Wembley

Poland coach Waldemar Fornalik is sure his country’s massive Wembley following will provide additional motivation in tonight’s World Cup qualifier with England.
England welcome Poland tonight.England welcome Poland tonight.
England welcome Poland tonight.

Controversially, the Football Association have opted to double Poland’s ticket allocation to 18,000 in an attempt to prevent away supporters causing a security risk by mingling with their home counterparts.

The move has been condemned by a number of former players, who feel it offers more intensity to what, for Poland at least, is a meaningless game given they have no chance of reaching next summer’s finals in Brazil.

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Fornalik admits that hefty following will provide additional fuel for his squad.

“It will be a significant impact to have so many fans in the stands,” said Fornalik. “Polish fans have a track record of lifting the team in good times and bad.”

Captain Jakub Blaszczykowski echoed the sentiment, recalling the massive away support at the Aviva Stadium, when Poland were beaten by the Republic of Ireland in February, as evidence of what was always likely to be a healthy following.

“Against Ireland, most of the fans were Poles and we expect the same (tonight),” said Blaszczykowski.

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“I am happy to hear about so many Poles coming to the match. We want to entertain them and get a very good result at Wembley.

“Hopefully we will play well enough to send them back home smiling.”

Despite the presence of three members of the Borussia Dortmund side that started the Champions League final defeat to Bayern Munich in May – Blaszczykowski, currently injured defender Lukasz Piszczek and brilliant striker Robert Lewandowski – Poland have failed to make an impact in Group H.

Yet they suffered only their second defeat in nine matches in Ukraine on Friday and drew with England when the two sides met in a delayed encounter in Warsaw 12 months ago.

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“We are all very unhappy at not qualifying but that is how it is,” said Blaszczykowski.

“We have not scored enough goals despite creating many chances, and have drawn too many matches, most after single mistakes.”

It means all Poland have left now is to salvage some pride at England’s expense.