Poland's Euro 2012 Success Hinges on Robert Lewandowski

Amongst the mediocrity of Poland's Euro 2012 squad lie several reasons why the co-hosts could progress from the group stage for the first time in their history.

Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski has risen into the limelight thanks to his exploits in the Bundesliga.

Helping the club become back-to-back league champions—whilst scoring a hat trick against Bayern Munich in the DFB Cup Final—can't hurt a man's reputation.

Key

The 23-year-old finished the league season with 22 goals to his name, and rumour columns all over Europe are filled with speculation that the goal-scoring sensation will soon be heading to their shores.

His physical presence will have to be dealt with by Poland's rivals, but for the national side it will be his movement that will be key in taking on what could be a largely counterattacking role.

His clinical nature will have to be capitalised upon—chances could be few and far between—but his ability to hold the ball up and bring others into play could be equally as crucial.

Borussia Dortmund

Throughout this side remains an influence from German champions, Borussia Dortmund—something which could help breathe confidence throughout the squad.

Right-back Lukasz Piszczek is tireless, combining defensive ability and fluid crosses.

Sitting just ahead of him on that right-hand side is another club mate and national captain, Jakub Blaszczykowski.

On top of this, fans will point to Poland's recent successes as proof that they can achieve their goal of reaching the quarterfinals.

In the last 15 games, they have fallen to defeat only twice (France and Italy). They drew against Germany and Portugal and won against Argentina.

The lowest-ranked team in the competition will have to overcome Greece, Czech Republic and Russia to progress, but it could have been far trickier.

To achieve success, Lewandowski will have to ensure the goals continue to flow.