"Difficult to Find Weak Points" in German Team

The Polish team rebounded from a disappointing first round elimination in the 2002 World Cup and failure to make it to the the 2004 European Championship by winning all but one of their Germany 2006 qualifying matches and now are looking to open a new chapter of national soccer history.

DW-WORLD.DE: In 1974, the last time the World Cup was held in Germany, Poland reached third place, the best result in the history of Polish soccer. Is a repeat performance realistic?

Pawel Janas: First of all, I have to say that Poland also made it to third place in the 1982 World Cup in Spain. As a player, I was personally involved in that sporting event by playing every minute of all the games. I think it testifies to the fact that the Polish team has the opportunity to put in very good performances.

England were the only ones your team couldn't be in qualification and you won the rest of the games. Is that a warning sign for your group opponents Germany, Ecuador and Costa Rica?

There is only one thing my team thinks about at every game: winning. To get back to your question, our opponents' team trainers will have to come to their own conclusions.

Isn't it easier to play when you are underestimated anyway?

You have to separate two things here. We are not a favorite for this World Cup, but the Polish fans always put a lot of hope behind their team, which means we are "playing under pressure" to a certain degree.

Where did your team's new strength and rediscovered self-confidence come from? What makes the Polish team so strong?

For the people who are familiar with the history of Polish soccer, it is clear that our national team hasn't had such bad results in the past few years. We took part in the past World Cup, and we were unlucky to be eliminated from the European Championship in Portugal. So the reason we are continually able to improve our performances is not, as you said, "the addition of new strengths," but, as I jokingly like to say our bad luck has finally left us!

Does the country put Polish soccer's rebound down to your excellent work as trainer or other factors like an improved youth program or even just simple luck? How much talent is there?

This question deals with a very broad subject. In the interests of keeping the interview somewhat short, I'd say that all three factors played a role. My "excellent work as trainer" is really just good work. I'd also especially emphasize that the Polish national team's success is doubtlessly due in part to work by club team coaches, inside and outside of Poland, as well as the youth program.

Poland is especially strong in the offense together -- Maciej Zurawski and Tomas Frankowski scored 14 goals in qualification. Do these two have what it takes to be World Cup greats?

Yes, I think so. But I still have to emphasize that no player has been invited to World Cup team yet.

How far will the Polish team make it?

Next question please.

How strong do you think the German team is?

The German team is very balanced and it's difficult to find its weak points. Germany is a candidate to win the world champion title. I hope that our teams meet twice during this tournament.

Do you keep up with German soccer?

My staff and I have always closely followed German soccer, including in our consideration of our team members who play in the German league.

Do you think Germany will live up to its goal of hosting an open, tolerant and friendly tournament?

The Germans are known as masters of organization around the world. For many years German-Polish relations have been really friendly, and that's a word I'm not afraid to use. Additionally, Germany plays a meaningful role in Europe, it is a founder of the EU. I hope that answers your question.

What's your advice for the Polish players?

Keep a good atmosphere in the team, dedication to the constant improvement of team mates' technical abilities, motivation during the games and an affection for improvisation and imagination.

And who is going to win the World Cup?

Brazil are my favorites, but Germany should also win a medal.