Poland manager Adam Nawalka surprised at Ireland win
Saturday 10 October 2015 18:10, UK
Poland manager Adam Nawalka admits that he was surprised to see Ireland beat world champions Germany on Thursday.
Shane Long's second half strike in Dublin was enough to give Martin O'Neill's side all three points and in the process secure at the very least a play-off spot for next summer's European Championships.
Poland, meanwhile, snatched a late draw in Scotland to remain second in Group D, ahead of Ireland.
The two teams face each other in Warsaw on Sunday, with both sides aware that a victory would guarantee their place at France next summer.
Nawalka admits he expected a German victory on Thursday, but was quick to praise O'Neill's side following the shock result.
"I have to say that the result [against Germany] was a big surprise for us," said the 57 year-old.
"But both teams represent a really high level of football and actually in this group, being a very difficult one, every result is possible.
"The German team had maybe a bigger ball possession and had more chances, but at the end of the day it all comes down to the number of goals scored and in this aspect, the Irish team was better, which is why we know tomorrow's game will be difficult for us.
"But we are prepared for that and we will do our job."
Defender Jacub Wawryzniak, who is likely to replace the injured Maciej Rybus on Sunday, echoed his manager's sentiments, but remained confident of Poland's chances of victory.
"We are of course calm, we are of course sure that we will give our best during tomorrow's game, but our team has proven that we have an identity, we can count on every single player in our team, which is why we will continue to do that," said the 32 year-old, who has 43 appearances for his country.
"I am pretty sure that tomorrow evening, we will meet again here and be happy due to our result."
