When Poland commence their UEFA EURO 2008™ campaign against Germany on 8 June, the creative impetus could well be provided by Brazilian-born winger Roger Guerreiro.
Controversial addition
Following on from Emmanuel Olisadebe, who featured for Poland at the 2002 FIFA World Cup after growing up in Nigeria, the Legia Warszawa midfielder has proved something of a controversial addition to Leo Beenhakker's squad. Despite impressive showings for his club, some have questioned his right to a squad berth, with the national side's most experienced player, Jacek Bąk, voicing a common concern. "If he feels Polish, if his heart beats when he flistens to our national anthem, if he gives his all on the pitch, it could work," said the 35-year-old. "If not, there will be a problem."
Beenhakker backing
Having made his debut and set up the winner for captain Maciej Żurawski in Tuesday's 1-0 victory over Albania, the player himself has no doubts about where his loyalties lie. "Maybe I don't speak fluent Polish, but I understand a lot," he said. "I want to do my best for my new homeland and I promise you'll never regret it. I hope to be important for the team." Dutch coach Beenhakker has sprung to his defence as well, saying: "He has his dream, and we share it with him. It's 2008. It's time to realise the world has changed. I have deep faith in Roger."
Instant hit
A Polish resident for the last two years, the Sao Caetano native was awarded citizenship on 17 April by Polish president Lech Kaczyński, who ended the ceremony by adding: "I hope you will bring success to our team." By that point, the dynamic winger was already making waves in the Ekstraklasa, which he first graced in March 2006 after joining Legia on loan the previous December from EC Juventude. Settling quickly, he helped the capital club to championship honours in his first season, and his three goals in 13 matches earned him a place in the 'Best Foreign XI' as named by weekly magazine Piłka Nożna.
International debut
Last season saw Roger positioned in central midfield as coach Jan Urban attempted to shake things up, but despite adapting well the team finished second. They lifted the Polish Cup, however, with Roger named man of the match in the final, and a Poland call-up duly followed. Now he is focused on graduating his side from Group B in Austria and Switzerland, where he hopes the Poles can celebrate some memorable results. "My mum and all my family are very proud of me," he said. "I would like to see the fans in Poland happy too, which we can make happen by playing well and recording some historic results, such as beating Germany."
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