The president of the Polish Football Association reacts to the success of the Poles. He is counting on a new beginning
Poland defeated Wales after a penalty shootout and secured a place at Euro 2024. After the final of the play-offs, Cezary Kulesza, president of the Polish Football Association, spoke and commented on what had recently happened in Polish football.
After being disgraced in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, the Polish national team entered this event through a side door. This would not have been possible if not for our position in the Nations League, which was maintained by the previous coaches – Jerzy Brzęczek and Czesław Michniewicz. Thanks to our presence in division A, even after taking last place in the qualifying group, we would still be in the play-offs.
Wojciech Szczęsny allowed us to advance to Euro 2024
And so it happened. Our rivals on the way to the European Championships were the Estonians, whom we defeated 5:1, and the Welsh, who eliminated the Finns 4:1. The match against the latter was very even and despite several dangerous situations and chaos in our defense, we managed to end it with zero results. Unfortunately, we also didn't score any goals, which required extra time and then penalties.
In the series of elevens, Wojciech Szczęsny showed his skill – not for the first time – when he saved the decisive penalty taken by Daniel James. Right after the match, in front of the TVP Sport cameras, the Juventus goalkeeper openly admitted that promotion was our responsibility from the very moment of the draw. – We played hopelessly throughout the qualifying round, we got a second chance in the play-offs and we achieved our goal – he added.
Cezary Kulesza spoke after the Wales-Poland match
The president of the Polish Football Association, Cezary Kulesza, also spoke after the match and congratulated everyone, even journalists and fans. “Play-off matches have their own rules. Today, the only thing that mattered was the result, which goes out into the world and gives us the right to play in the European Championship finals. My compliments to coach Michał Probierz and the entire staff. I would like to congratulate and thank our players for their fight, which allowed us to achieve this promotion in an extremely demanding area,” wrote Cezary Kulesza, president of the Polish Football Association.
“The previous year was difficult, but I know that 2024 will be a time of positive changes and a new beginning. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the fans, journalists and the entire football community. The first team could count on your support and trust before the play-off matches. This is also Thanks to you, in June we will play where we belong, i.e. in the final tournament of the European Championships. Gentlemen, thank you for these emotions! We are starting the Germany 2024 mission! – finished.