Instead of goal racing with Austria, Polish players seemed to run for whose defeat would be smaller.

Not intentionally of course. In the second half they produced some good attacks and managed a few shots on target (Roger, Smolarek), with Zahorski’s one on one situation clash with goalkeeper Runje giving an illusion the draw was close.

Honestly, they tried hard to equalize. However, Croats had twice as many chances and Klasnic’s goal was rather mild punishment for the Polish defence.

The first half though was dull and lacked dynamism; there was literally nothing eye-catching in our team’s play except for several brilliant saves by Boruc and Dudka’s chance in the 12’ minute of the game.

 

End of the road for the Poles

There was no miracle either in the other match. Germany beat Austria only 1-0 and this score sealed Poland’s fate in the group B table.

It’s over and it was a hard lesson for those who were dreaming of success in 2012 before the home crowd.