| Facts : |
| • |
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was
Poland's sixth successful World Cup qualifying
campaign. Arriving with high expectations,
Poland gave a lackluster performance in the
first round and left early. |
| • |
In their début in 1938, the Poles
were also eliminated early on, after a remarkable
6-5 loss to Brazil in which Ernst Wilimowski
scored four times. Poland enjoyed far greater
success in 1974, prizing third place from
Brazil in Germany with a goal by Lato. |
| • |
In 1982, the Polish team matched their
1974 performance. In the semi-finals they
came up against the on-form Italians, who
clinched a spirited 2-0 victory. Poland went
on to defeat France 3-2 and claim third place
overall. |
