Franciszek Smuda declared himself satisfied with his Poland players after their draw with Russia and feels his young side will only improve.
Coach backs young side to keep improving after Russia draw
Poland coach Franciszek Smuda declared himself satisfied with his players after Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Russia and believes his young side will only improve.
The Russians went ahead through rising star Alan Dzagoev in the first half at the Warsaw National Stadium but Smuda's men pulled level in front of a home crowd thanks to a stunning strike from captain Jakub Blaszczykowski after the break.
The co-hosts have now drawn their two opening games to sit third in Group A and the coach was pleased with the result and how his players adhered to their game-plan.
"We are a young side, and we are going to get ever better," said Smuda.
"I am above all happy with the players because they played to the game-plan from the first to last minute."
Stunner
Blaszczykowski produced a contender for goal of the tournament in the 57th minute, cutting in from the right before unleashing a searing left-footed drive from 20 yards which landed in the far corner of the net.
The skipper echoed Smuda in praising his side for sticking to their strategy.
"The tactics we set up before the match we carried out 100 per cent," he said. "I think we deserve praise because all of us put a lot into this match."
The result leaves Russia top of the group with four points but Poland can still advance to the knockout stage if they beat Czech Republic in their final game.
Blaszczykowski added: "We're still in the tournament, so with this point a win in our final match puts us into the knockout stage."
