A break in MLS play couldn't come at a better time for Crew head coach Robert Warzycha. Back-to-back off weeks in league play have provided the Poland native the opportunity to travel home to experience Euro 2012. It is the first time Warzycha's home country has played host to a major international sporting competition.
Warzycha will travel to Poland on Wednesday in order to attend the opening ceremonies as Poland plays Greece in the capital of Warsaw on Friday afternoon. The Crew skipper will also go to Poland's second Group Stage match against Russia on June 12 before flying back to Columbus on the following day to prepare for the Black & Gold's next match in New England on June 16.
"I'll basically spend all my time in Warsaw and probably go home for one day to see my parents," Warzycha explained his travel plans. "What I plan to do also is to go see some practices. Russia is going to be in Warsaw and so is Poland, so basically I can go over there and watch practices."
To prepare for the competition, Poland constructed three new stadiums and renovated one other to renew a sense of pride to the country in hosting the event.
"Obviously, it's a huge event in Europe. Hosting the European Championship is a big honor," Warzycha said. "I'm sure it's going to be great. I'm sure the people over there are going to be very friendly."
As for his predictions for the competition, the former Polish National Team player is certain his home country will impress.
"Obviously, we're going to win 2-0 against Greece and then we're going to have Russia next and we're going to beat them 2-0 too," Warzycha said confidently.
Poland is led by 2011-12 Bundesliga Player of the Season Robert Lewandowski who scored 22 goals for German champions Borussia Dortmund. Warzycha predicts Poland will ride Lewandowski's scoring all the way to the final to face Germany.
"We're going to play in the final against Germany. That is all," Warzycha said with a smile.
Stay tuned TheCrew.com for more on Warzycha's experiences at Euro 2012.
