Tag: Poland

Poland international Robert Lewandowski has showered great praise on Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane ahead of the match between the two nations. The two teams will be coming into the match with a new manager, who had taken charge for one game prior to this encounter. Poland recently appointed Adam Nawalka, while Republic of Ireland brought in Martin O’Neill (with Roy Keane as his assistant) to replace Giovanni Trapattoni. They managed to win their first match incharge 3-0 against Latvia.

Poland, meanwhile, did not get the ideal result in Nawalka’s first match as manager, as they lost 2-0 to Slovakia in a friendly match. This match is also at home for Nawalka’s men and they will be hoping for a much better result this time around. Keane has been one of the first-team regulars for Ireland over the last 15 years. The 33-year-old is currently playing with LA Galaxy in the MLS. He has stated that he will continue playing for the national team despite his age and current location. Keane has to travel halfway across the world in order to take part in the matches.

Lewandowski has stated that the figures achieved by Keane over the last 15 years are truly remarkable and he would one day like to match those figures.

“I believe that the statistics are really impressive. Sixty two goals scored for the Irish squad is really an impressive figure. I know that Keane has played for the Irish squad for so many years and we know they are very strong. But we don’t want to concentrate on an individual player. We know they have very good individuals in the team, but we have to focus on how we are going to play. If the squad plays well, each individual player has an easier job,” said Lewandowski.