Smolarek plays down Poland plaudits

Euzebiusz Smolarek maintained that he did not "feel like a hero" after his two goals against Belgium sent Poland to their first UEFA European Championship finals.

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Having scored a hat-trick in his side's previous qualifier, a 3-1 win against Kazakhstan, Smolarek struck twice in Chorzow to guarantee a top-two finish in Group A for his side, but remained modest, saying: "Although I scored two goals, I do not feel like a hero. The whole team won the game and everybody worked hard for this win. I am happy that I did not slow down after the three goals against Kazakhstan and today I confirmed my good form.

Stepping stones
The 26-year-old, who has scored nine goals in qualifying, added: "It still does not feel like we have done anything historic. I do not think this game was the most important and crucial in our campaign. It only confirmed our good form in the recent games. The wins over Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Belgium were all equally important and each of them was a step towards our target."

Beenhakker happy
Coach Leo Beenhakker was a little more excitable, saying: "This is definitely one of the biggest successes of my career. The start of the qualifying campaign was very difficult for many reasons. To finish in such style feels great. I am delighted because we have made so many people in Poland happy. It is a great achievement for the players that in a very short time they have managed to form a team capable of this historic first qualification."

Captain marvels
No player was more proud of that achievement than forward Maciej Żurawski, who said: "I take a huge satisfaction from being captain of this team. Every player who has played in this qualifying campaign deserves praise. Sometimes we had good games, sometimes less so, but this is football. The aim, however, was always the same and we have just reached our goal. This is the most important thing."

Glory days
In truth, most felt that the performance against Belgium was hardly a vintage one, but the 90 minutes were soon forgotten as players began to dream of a trip to Austria and Switzerland next summer. "This is a historical moment in my career," said goalkeeper Artur Boruc. Midfielder Wojciech Łobodziński added: "This is one of the greatest days in my footballing life. Such moments are worth living for."