Szymon Włodarczyk, the reigning champion with Sturm Cross, issues a warning ahead of Poland’s clash with Austria.

Szymon Włodarczyk sees his compatriots facing a huge task in their second European Championship group game. “The ÖFB team is respected. The Poles know that the Austrian national team led by Ralf Rangnik is a very good team. We won’t underestimate them,” said the Polish attacker of Austria’s football champions Sturm Graz ahead of Friday’s clash in Berlin.

“There is an opinion that it might be more difficult against the Austrians against the Netherlands,” Włodarczyk told APA before the start of the European Championships. Despite the fact that participation was decided only through the play-offs, the Poles hope to advance from the group. “I think the first two will be difficult, but we can fight for third place.”

“Not only Lewandowski”

Whether Robert Lewandowski will play against Austria is questionable. In the 1-2 defeat against the Netherlands, FC Barcelona’s star striker sat on the bench despite suffering a torn hamstring. Włodarczyk mentions the team structure. “Poland is not only about Lewandowski, it’s about the team. We play well defensively, we don’t concede too much. If we can create some more situations in offense, we will have a good team.

Something the U21 striker wants to be a part of in the future. Kournick was compared to Lewandowski, 21, before his move to Sturm from Jabres last summer. At Cross, despite the early goals, he gradually accumulated fewer minutes of action. Włodarczyk is watching the current finals in front of his screen as a Polish fan. “The road to the European Championship was very stressful and emotional for our country. I’m sure I’ll be happy after the Austria game (APA)