Monday 4 February 2013

Poland V England, Warsaw

Poland v England
FIFA World Cup 2014
European Qualifying Group H
Stadion Narodowy, Warsaw, Poland
16 Oct 2012


England have played Poland 17 times before with 8 of these being away games. The head to head sees England out in front with 10 wins to 1 loss and 6 matches drawn. This is the first time that England have played at the Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw, the previous encounters took place at Stadion Slaski in Chorzow (Near Katowice) in 66, 73, 89, 93, 97 and 04. There were also games played at the Polish Army stadium in Warsaw  (Stadion Wojska Polskiego) in 99 and Poznan in 91. 



There were no problems with satisfying demand for this fixture in Warsaw. The stadium holds 60,000 and England's travelling support was only in the region of 2500-2750, which isn't bad by international standards but a bit low for England. 


The main talking point turned out to be the stadium's retractable roof which remained in the open position despite the biblical rain storm that hit Warsaw. The rain started just before midday and just didn't stop. The kick off was due at 2100 Hrs but there was no chance of that, but none of the officials seemed to be able to make a decision, to be honest most of the English fans were relying on updates from the UK via Adrian Childs. Eventually the match was delayed until the next day at 1700, but sadly I had to make my way back to Chopin airport for the return flight. Gutted, but at least the away caps counted this time and my tally moved on to 6 caps!


Chelsea's Gary Cahill makes the front cover of The Free Lions as it highlights the departure of both John Terry and Rio Ferdinand and the need for a new defensive partnership 


Bus, trams and a metro line


Poland 1 England 1 (re-arranged game)
Attendance: 47300

The Narodowy Stadion (National Stadium) in Warsaw is an impressive sight. The chequered red and white squares on the surface of the stadium walls were designed to replicate a polish flag fluttering in the wind.  


The gates are closed but worth a photo


For this match work commitments had reduced me to a day trip with Thomson's Sport, England's official travel company (total price £309 - ouch!). After a night in the Gatwick Hilton and an early flight, we touched down in Warsaw at about 1000 hrs, by 11 we had been dropped off at the ground. From there it was a swift walk to the Palace of Science & Culture. 


The shiny new stadium is all locked up which is a bit of a shame, but I will get to see it later next summer at the Roger Waters' 'The Wall concert'.


The Thompson Sport coach dropped us off at the stadium and so I took a few photos and made my way to the Old Town (Stare Miasto). This photo was taken from 'Most Poniatowskiego' (a road bridge)


From the centre of the bridge


A murky view of the Vistula river and the railway bridge. The first drops of rain are beginning to fall, surely nothing serious.


The main reference point was the plastic palm tree that stands proud over Al Jerozolimskie (a tribute to Warsaw's Jewish ties). Thanks to the plastic obelisk I navigated easily around the central area. The tree has even got its own website!


The palace of Science and Culture is the tallest building in Warsaw and was Stalin's gift to Warsaw from the people of the Soviet union. It was the site of the fan zone during Euro 2012,  luckily the football exhibition was still open so I paid it a visit. The highlight was a glass cabinet containing Mick Shannon's shirt from the infamous encounter with the Poles at Wembley in 1973, when they KO'd us out of the 1974 WCF in Germany with a 1-1 draw and a 2:0 victory in Katowice.


The display for the Euros was still set up, bonus!


England are everywhere.


The Hard Rock Cafe Warsaw is the venue for my first pint of strong Polish pils. The pub is heaving with English.


Posing by Stalin's Palace of Science & Culture.


Getting off the metro at Ratusz and headed 
down Dluga on way to the old town.


The memorial to the Warsaw Uprising is thought provoking.


In the background is the field cathedral for 
the Polish Armed Forces.


The
monument to the 1944 Warsaw Uprising.

  
The 'little insurgent' is a moving tribute to the many 'child soldiers' who perished during the uprising.


On my way to meet Joe and his Polish mate I entered the old town (Stare Miasto) through the Barbican tower 
above. The whole area is surrounded by the rebuilt 15thC wall, which is a UNESCO world heritage site.


The old town is undergoing serious reconstruction since it's near total destruction in WW2 and neglect during the communist years


More work in progress.


The Old Town Square (Rynek Starego Miasta) is surrounded on all sides by town houses which have all been rebuilt to their original specification.


The Mermaid known locally as Syrenka is located at the centre of the square and is the symbol of the city.  She allegedly guided Prince Kazimierz to safety after he got lost.


The rain is hammering down now and it's really high 
time that I found the lads and got something to eat.


After meeting up with the boys, we hop a traditional Polish restaurant, the 'Bazyliszek',named after the legendary dragon that used to terrorise the square at nightfall.


Joe and his polish mate and some good 
natured local lads on the next table.


Poles enjoying a pre match beer.


Gary, the Pole and Joe. 


Polish police patrolling the empty fan zone
 in a very rainy Warsaw (clue - we're all in the pubs).


St Sigismund's Column in the other square -
opposite the Royal Castle known as Plaz Zamkowy.


Despite the weather, the Free Lions team
are still out in the elements doing a good job.


Deano starting a sing song.


The Game that never was


Not a chance that this game will play.


The roof they couldn't close!


The scene at the ground is pure comedy 
although at the time not many  English supporters were laughing about it. The field of play is like a giant paddling pool and most of the English will end up missing the replay which was re-played the next evening, me included. Gutted, but still a good trip! Now off to get my Thompson Sport's coach. School tomorrow!

No comments:

Post a Comment

North Macedonia v England, National Arena Todor Proeski, UEFA Euro Champs Qualifier, Skopje, 20 Nov 23

North Macedonia v England UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier, Group C National Arena Todor Proeski Skopje, North Macedonia 20 Nov 23 The official prog...