Euro 2012 Preview: Poland

Poland head into Euro 2012 with the pressure of being one of the tournament's co-hosts.

However, in their favour statistics show that 14 out of the last 15 hosts have reached at least the semi-finals of the competition, although a home side has not gone on to lift the trophy since France in 1984.

As one of the hosts, the Poles were not required to qualify for the competition, meaning that they have not taken part in a competitive fixture since October 2009.

Group: A

Manager: Franciszek Smuda - The 63-year-old has won three Polish league titles during stints with Widzew Lodz and Wisla Krakow. Following a lengthy spell coaching in the United States, he took over Poland in 2009.

Players to watch:

Robert Lewandowski: The 23-year-old's goals last season were seen as a major factor behind Borussia Dortmund's success in the Bundesliga. Also scored three times against Bayern Munich during the German Cup final.

Wojciech Szczesny: Regarded by many as one of the best young goalkeepers in world football. The Arsenal number one recently claimed the gloves for the senior side ahead of teammate Lukasz Fabianski.

Lukasz Piszczek: Another Dortmund player, Piszczek is a full-back who likes to get forward.

Previous Best: Group stage, 2008

Sports Mole's prediction for Euro 2012: Group stage