‘World Cup Fans’ is a special SBS News series running in the lead up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. It looks at the 32 qualifying countries through the eyes Australian fans.
Chants of "Polska" are followed by screams of "Lewandowski" at the Western Sydney Polish sports club, Polonia. With just over 12 weeks until the start of Russia 2018, Poland's national team has risen to sixth in the FIFA rankings, one place short of their highest placing.
“We've had a few quieter years but lately they've been doing really good,” Polonia Sports Club vice president Jacek Lisowski told SBS News.
“If you ask me they're one of the favourites to be in the top four in the World Cup.”
Poland will return to the FIFA World Cup finals after failing to qualify for the last two tournaments, while their 2002 and 2006 campaigns ended without progressing beyond the group stages.
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Hopes pinned on captain
But this time, their hopes rest with captain and talisman, Robert Lewandowski. The 29-year-old, who plays for German league powerhouse, Bayern Munich, scored a record 16 goals in Poland’s World Cup qualifying campaign. Comparisons are now being made between the national side he leads and the 1974 World Cup team that finished in third place on the world stage.
“He’s [Lewandowski] also accompanied by guys playing in decent European leagues, some in the French league, even in the Premier League,” Polonia Football Club president Michael Lodyga told SBS News.
“I think this squad at the moment playing in a number of the top leagues in Europe is a pretty decent team.”
Russia 2018 will be only the third time in World Cup history that Australia and Poland have both qualified for the same tournament, giving Polish-Australians extra reason to be excited.
“Born in Poland but living in Australia, Polish-Australian, I support both teams, Polish white-eagles, and the Australian Socceroos,” Polonia Sports Club president Adam Biziuk told SBS News.
Nearly seven decades of success
The western Sydney club, Polonia, has a long history of success since their formation in 1949. Founded by Polish immigrants, the club has won premierships at various levels of the district competition.
While football is core to their association, social activities around Christmas, New Year and the annual Polish festival have helped forge a strong bond.
“I think it's very important for clubs like this to exist because it helps us keep our Polish traditions even if we are Australians now, but we're still proud Polish people,” Lisowski said.
“Whether it was in the 40s, 50s or 60s, it was the first point of meeting other Polish people. Obviously if you were new to the country, you don't know anyone else so you're looking for your own nationality, to meet up with them and maybe they can slowly bring you in to integrate into the rest of Australia.”
ImageNon-exclusive membership
Integration has been a big motivating factor of the club, whose membership is not exclusive to the Polish community. Stephen Bali, the Mayor of Blacktown - where Polonia is located - has a son that plays in the football team.
“They add value to our local community by bringing people together, giving them an outlet for sport or social outlet with the elderly that get together and they allow people to reconnect with their past,” Mr Bali told SBS News.
“It's really important for people to embrace their heritage, their past, and bring it into Australia. And the best features of their culture, their heritage, by bringing into Australia it actually improves the local community.”
Thousands of Polish-Aussies to shout 'Polska'
There are about 170,000 Australian residents who have some form of Polish ancestry, according to the 2011 census. And with football the number one sport in Poland, there will be loud cheers for ‘Polska” coming from Polish clubs around the country.
“Sports usually brings people together but football for Polish people is really important,” said Lisowski.
“This is how we all unite. We may have our differences in other aspects of life but when it comes to sport, football brings us all together, we stand as one and we get behind our team.”
The 2018 FIFA World Cup begins 15 June, SBS will broadcast the biggest games, including the opening match, semi-finals and final, live, free and in HD.
