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World Cup 2018 power rankings

By James Dudko

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13: Per Mertesacker of Germany holds the trophy a loft during the 2014 World Cup final match between Germany and Argentina at The Maracana Stadium on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13: Per Mertesacker of Germany holds the trophy a loft during the 2014 World Cup final match between Germany and Argentina at The Maracana Stadium on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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CHORZOW, POLAND – MARCH 27: Robert Lewandowski of Poland celebrates scoring a goal during international friendly match between Poland and Korea Republic at Slaski Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Chorzow, Poland. (Photo by Marcin Karczewski/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images)
CHORZOW, POLAND – MARCH 27: Robert Lewandowski of Poland celebrates scoring a goal during international friendly match between Poland and Korea Republic at Slaski Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Chorzow, Poland. (Photo by Marcin Karczewski/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images) /

16. Poland

The Polish squad will only go as far as Robert Lewandowski can take them. As No. 9s go, Lewandowski is as good as it gets.

He’s a powerhouse striker who can play with his back to goal, link well with others and find the net in a variety of ways. If he’s kept supplied with chances, the 29-year-old will be among the top scorers at this World Cup.

Supply may be an issue, though, despite there being plenty of pace and trickery in wide areas. Both Kamil Grosicki and Piotr Zielinski are natural wingers who can tie defenders in knots and produce the crosses Lewandowski needs to thrive.

Meanwhile, neither Lukasz Piszczek nor Jakub Blaszczykowski are ever shy about raiding forward from deep. What this squad lacks is sufficient craft from central areas.

A bigger problem for coach Adam Nawalka might be finding the right strike partner for Lewandowski. He can choose from gifted Anderlecht ace Lukasz Teodorczyk or Napoli’s Arkadiusz Milik.

Goals shouldn’t be in short supply, but the Poles don’t have the defensive resources to keep Japan, Colombia and Senegal at bay in Group H.

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