Polish national team captain Robert Lewandowski spoke with calm confidence before the play-off semi-final against Estonia in Warsaw, expressing belief that the squad could secure qualification for the European Championship. He emphasized that his focus was entirely on the task at hand and that future decisions about his international career would wait until after the current campaign. “Right now Estonia is the only thing on my mind,” he stated, signaling a clear, workmanlike mindset as Poland prepared for the decisive stage.
The national side is in the thick of the battle to reach the European Championships on home soil in Germany. In the play-off semi-final, Poland would face Estonia at the PGE National Stadium on March 21, with the path to the final potentially leading to a clash against Wales or Finland five days later. If they secure the win in the semi-final, the team awaits the final, where the stronger of the Wales-Finland pairing would be the opponent. Should Estonia triumphant tilt the balance, a third-place playoff would not come into play for a spot in Euro 2024 but would instead determine a separate outcome.
If the semi-final ends in a loss, Poland would meet the loser of the Wales-Finland pair in a friendly on March 26, serving as a supplementary test of form ahead of future qualifiers.
Lewandowski gave a concise sense of his approach during a press conference that opened the national team’s training camp in Warsaw. He underscored that the immediate objective is the first match in the play-offs, stressing that the outcome of the match itself is what matters. The focus remains on securing a place in the Euro 2024 finals, with a strong belief that the team can progress through the play-off rounds by staying disciplined, stubborn in defense, and relentless in attack.
The captain’s optimism
Asked whether the result of Euro 2024 would impact his decision about staying with the national team, Lewandowski responded with a measured stance. He reiterated that speculation about his future is not on his radar at the moment and that no decisions will be made until after the present campaign. The emphasis remains on the ongoing training camp and the first match against Estonia, a test he intends to meet with focus and discipline.
As the captain explained, age is not a factor that dictates his thinking in the short term. He will turn 36 this August, yet his readiness to contribute remains clear. The plan is simple: approach the Estonia match with tenacity, aim for a strong performance from the opening whistle, and stay sharp for the full 90 minutes. The belief is rooted in solid preparation and a clear plan to reach Euro 2024, with Lewandowski expressing optimism about the team’s potential to do just that.
In his own words, the aim is to build momentum from the outset, to demonstrate the best football across every phase of the game, and to convert good opportunities into tangible results. The captain’s message was one of unwavering confidence that the squad can earn a place at the European Championship and showcase their capabilities on the big stage.
In the lead-up to the decisive matches, the team has centered its preparations on cohesion, tactical clarity, and maintaining the mental edge required to navigate the play-off format. Coaches and players alike have stressed the importance of staying compact at the back, pressing effectively in midfield, and exploiting chances when they arise. The expectation is that the collective effort, rather than individual brilliance alone, will determine whether Poland advances to Euro 2024.
With preparation in full swing and a badge-wearing resolve in the camp, Poland aims to deliver a performance that reflects their stature and history in European football. The journey to Germany continues, and the squad understands that every moment in the play-offs counts toward a broader objective: a first-rate showing at Euro 2024 and the satisfaction of earning a final tournament berth through disciplined, high-intensity football.