MTNFootball

Poland know the pressure is more on them than co-hosts Ukraine as the big day draws closer and closer.

Despite their fairly illustrious FIFA World Cup past, Poland has failed to make any significant impact at the Euros with just one previous qualification to talk about in 2008.

Poland coach Franciszek Smuda believes his team that has had to prepare for the event with a diet of friendly matches will not disappoint their home fans as they try to emulate France, Italy and Spain to win as hosts.

"For the last two and a half years I've had time to recognise what my players can do and I believe the group chosen will give our fans real joy," said Smuda.

"I know we're under pressure and that's the way it should be. It's normal but we can cope, don't worry, and have players such as the Borussia Dortmund ones who play in front of 80,000 fans every week."

Smuda's trump card to try and ease the pressure will be striker Robert Lewandowski whose 22 goals last season helped Borussia Dortmund retain their German Bundeliga crown.

The 23-year-old striker has so far scored five goals for Poland in 17 games in the build up to the tournament.

Smuda's Dortmund winning factor also extends to defender Lukasz Piszczek and midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski who at 26, form the average age of this youthful team.

Meanwhile, 21 year old Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is also expected to be a key player as Smuda’s new generation of Polish players hope that this is the year that Poland finally makes a Euro impact on home soil.

Poland is in Group A together with three former champions in the form of 2004 winners Greece including 2008 semifinalists and inaugural champions Russia and 1976 victor Czech Republic.