By DPA,
Bad Waltersdorf (Austria) : Poland’s Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker is counting on a full-strength squad for his side’s Euro 2008 opener against Germany Sunday.
Beenhakker said midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski had recovered from a hamstring injury and he now had a full squad to choose from for the first time since tournament training began in mid-May. Borussia Dortmund’s Blaszczykowski, who had been sidelined for two weeks, trained Wednesday.
“We are delighted to have him back and his presence will be a major boost against Germany,” Beenhakker said.
“We thought he would only be available for the final group match against Croatia and this is really good news.”
Poland are looking to end a winless record against the Germans, with 11 defeats in 15 matches going back to 1933, when they meet in their Group B match in Klagenfurt.
“We are aware of this record and we are reasonably confident we can finally beat Germany,” 65-year-old Beenhakker said.
Poland are also looking to avenge a 1-0 defeat at the 2006 World Cup. Captain Maciej Zurawski said: “We want to pay Germany back so that the fans believe in us.”
Poland are also up against co-hosts Austria in Vienna next Thursday and Croatia in Klagenfurt June 16.