World Cup quarter-finals a step too far for gritty underdogs Poland

AL RAYYAN, Qatar: Poland's World Cup last-16 exit on Sunday (Dec 4) ended a run fuelled by hopes and dreams but their fighting spirit was a fitting tribute on Miners' Day in Poland to celebrate their patron saint of 'hard work and good death'.

Poland showed plenty of heart to finish above Mexico and reach the second round from a tricky Group C and managed to keep the mighty reigning champions France at bay for large periods before Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe stole the show.

An entire generation of Poland fans had never watched their country play in the knockout stages of the World Cup but a first appearance in 36 years has sown the seeds of progress for a team considered perennial underdogs at international tournaments.

"Getting out of the group stage after 36 years was our main objective. We succeeded, but in the next round we faced the world champions," Poland coach Czeslaw Michniewicz said.

"We are very sorry, today we're sad and disappointed ... As more time passes, we'll change our perspective. After weeks and months, we can proudly say we achieved what Poland wasn't able to achieve in 36 years."

Although Michniewicz's side showed they had strength at the back, they were unable to flex their muscles in attack in Qatar despite being spearheaded by one of the most feared strikers in the world in Robert Lewandowski.

Poland's defensive record in the group stage was among the best in the tournament as they conceded only two goals - both against a fired-up Argentina side in a 2-0 defeat after a goalless draw with Mexico and 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia.

Wojciech Szczesny's stock has only risen in recent years with Juventus, and Michniewicz gave the shot-stopper a vote of confidence when he named him as his number one to start