As the excitement for Euro 2024 builds, Poland’s captain, Robert Lewandowski, carries his nation’s hopes on his shoulders. Drawing inspiration from historic football upsets like Uruguay’s triumph in 1950 and Greece’s in 2004, Lewandowski believes that “in football, everything is possible.” With a mixture of determination and realism, he reflects on Poland’s potential to create an unexpected success story in the upcoming tournament despite recent challenges.
“In Football, Anything is Possible”
In a recent interview with CNN’s Amanda Davies, Robert Lewandowski expressed his steadfast belief in the unpredictable nature of football. “You have to believe, and we have the hope,” he stated. Emphasizing the importance of team play, he added, “If we’re playing as a team…really, we can achieve something. I don’t know what it means, but in football, everything is possible.” This optimistic perspective is not just about winning but about the sheer unpredictability and magic that football can offer.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Despite a rocky path to Euro 2024, which included a last-minute qualification and changes in the coaching staff, Lewandowski sees an opportunity to be underestimated. Having managed to qualify despite significant adversities, Poland carries a “free hit” mentality that might just be the catalyst needed for an upset. The proximity of the tournament’s location in Germany also brings an advantage; as Lewandowski noted, “We are playing in Germany; the country is very close to Poland. So probably a lot of fans from Poland are coming to this tournament.”
Returning to Familiar Grounds
For Lewandowski, Germany is a land of many triumphs, where he rose to prominence with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. His return to Germany for Euro 2024 is symbolic and potentially advantageous. “I know the people, I know the culture, I know almost everything, so I think I am going to feel well,” Lewandowski shared, highlighting his comfort in playing in German stadiums. This familiarity could play a significant role in Poland’s performance, especially in matches held in Berlin and Dortmund.
Supporting Ukraine Through Football
Besides focusing on Poland, Lewandowski is attentive to Ukraine’s participation in Euro 2024. As a long-time supporter of Ukrainian refugees and advocate against the Russian invasion, Lewandowski finds a deeper meaning in football’s role during challenging times. He highlighted the significance of Ukraine’s presence at the tournament, suggesting that it offers its people a sense of pride and optimism amid ongoing strife.
Robert Lewandowski’s insights reveal more than just a game plan for Euro 2024; they reflect a broader football vision as a platform for hope, unity, and unexpected victories. Whether Poland can replicate the fairy tale stories of past underdogs remains to be seen. However, with Lewandowski’s leadership and the spirit of perseverance, Poland is poised to give its best, defying odds and perhaps rewriting its own piece of football history.
