Showing posts with label competition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label competition. Show all posts

Monday, 4 June 2012

Szczesny expecting Poland to fire




Wojciech Szczesny believes Poland have assembled their strongest squad for years ahead of Euro 2012.


As one of the host nations, Poland qualified automatically for the competition but will face a stern test in Group A against Russia, Czech Republic and Greece.


Arsenal goalkeeper Szczesny says there is a confident mood in the squad ahead of the tournament and hopes the team can live up to their own expectations.


“It’s all there for us to go and have a successful tournament – I think it’s the strongest Poland team the fans have seen for years so hopefully we won’t let them down,” Szczesny said.


“I think Poland have a chance of doing well. The atmosphere around the national team has changed a bit and people have realised that we actually have world-class players.”


Szczesny singled out Borussia Dortmund trio Jakub Blaszczykowski, Lukasz Piszczek and Robert Lewandowski as three key players for the Poles ahead of the tournament.


The 22-year-old believes their quality and experience will be vital, after their success in helping Dortmund to the Bundesliga title this season.


“The three players from Borussia Dortmund are as good in their positions as anyone in Europe – Lukasz Piszczek is a right back and I’d easily put him in the top three in Europe, his fitness levels are something I’ve never seen before,” he said.


“Jakub Blaszczykowski, the skipper, always steps up for the national team while Robert Lewandowski is just a natural goalscorer.


“We’ve got plenty of others who can make an impact too – Ludovic Obraniak in midfield is a fantastic player and we have some solid defenders.”




Source : http://www.soccernews.com/szczesny-expecting-poland-to-fire/95851/

Tuesday, 22 May 2012

Greece squad depart for Austria




Greece’s provisional squad have departed for Austria where they will step up their preparations for Euro 2012.


The Greeks, who won the competition in 2004, will be located in Kitzbuhel, Tyrol, which will host their friendlies against Slovenia and Armenia.


Greece coach Fernando Santos has a 25-man squad with two players set to miss the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.


Speaking to reporters ahead of his side’s trip to Austria, the former PAOK coach was critical of Greek league officials for their failure to end the domestic campaign earlier in preparation for Euro 2012.


“I know my players very well. I know that they are very happy to be here and I’m sure that they will work hard to be ready for the opening game against Poland on June 8,” Santos said.


“We are late in starting our preparation for the Euros, but there is nothing we can do now.”


Experienced midfielder Kostas Katsouranis also spoke to the press, saying Greece’s aim was to progress to the quarter-finals.


“Our goal is to advance from the group stage and we will do everything to make sure this happens. We want this because Greek fans love and support this team,” he added.




Source : http://www.soccernews.com/greece-squad-depart-for-austria/95103/