Poland's turbulent World Cup campaign ended with a 3-1 win over USA, but it was too little, too late for Jerzy Engel's team. What went wrong for Poland?
This debate is now closed. A selection of your e-mails appear below.
Despite a huge disappointment with Poland's first two games, I still believed that the boys were able to manage a win against USA, and they did it. I am happy and proud of them but I know that we could have done much better and we just gave the chance away. Anyway, Euro 2004 is coming and we have to get ready for this game and not allow the same mistakes to happen again.
Daniel Maciejewski, Australia
Poland came out attacking and it worked great. Instead of playing long ball as they did against Korea and Portugal, they ran and penetrated along the side lines and made solid crosses to dominate USA. Changing the entire defensive squad to younger and more speedy players helped the team out greatly also. Though the result at this World Cup has been disappointing, the last game against USA definitely gave the team hope and vision as to how this team can develop for the upcoming Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006. Good luck for them in the future.
H.G. Kim, Korea/USA A shocking World Cup for the Poles with a lack of spirit shown by the more established players. Changes are needed with a focus on youth after the success of the Under-19 side.
Mark Rodziewicz, UK
Poland played with a lot of heart. They had the Americans on the ropes especially when they had nothing to play for. It just goes to show how much national pride counts on a football field. I think Poland can leave South Korea with their heads held high!
Omar Vasnaik, USA
After being at the Portugal/Poland game, it was obvious that Engel had the wrong team out. Hajto was terrible. Look how the younger guys played against the USA, that was more like it but sadly too late.
Seb Wereszczynski, UK Brilliant game against the USA. Finally they showed enthusiasm and spirit - but too late to make a difference. Perhaps Boniek should considered coaching instead of Engel.
Basia, England
Poland have been shamefully bad in this tournament. The causes are many, but the basic one is the uncharacteristic absence of fighting spirit and pride.
Piotr Stolarski, Poland
Before the World Cup started, Polish players believed they were good enough to beat Korea and the US. Korea have been very impressive and they must be very disappointed.
Jarek Filak, USA After the Portugal game, many people focussed on a 'lack of ability' in the side. However, if the team had simply been better prepared mentally they would have at least qualified for the knockout stage.
Richard, UK
Once again our players proved that they do have a heart but (with exception of Dudek) no skills to play against such a team as Portugal.
Mariusz Gorczyca, Poland
A big disappointment - I expected Olisadebe to really make others sit up and watch but where's his service? I feel sad for the Polish people who must have expected more.
Nick Phipps, England
The lack of passion and will to win coupled with poor tactics made this team a national embarrassment. What happened to the much proclaimed skills of Dudek, Hajto and Olisadebe? I hope painful lessons will be learned from this experience.
Wanda, UK
The Polish team lost because it lacks a team leader and forgot the meaning of teamwork. This is what is needed to win every game.
Wojciech Sanocki, USA
Without that torrential rain we would have beaten Portugal! No matter what the critics say, Poland are still world champions in my heart!
Gary Rozanski, UK
What a depressing performance! Better - slightly - than against Korea, though the score line doesn't show it. Hard to imagine that we were the first European team to qualify! Let's hope it's not another 16 years before we get into the finals again.
Anthony Zacharzewski, UK
I was very impressed watching Jerzy Dudek playing against our team. His amazing defence and good manner makes him the best goalkeeper in the 2002 World Cup. I'd like to see Poland go to the second round with us.
Yuna, South Korea
