Poland’s Oliwia Zwiazek left the Felix Sanchez Stadium on Sunday evening with a huge smile on her face, and deservedly so.
The Europeans sunk Zambia 2-0 to claim Poland’s first-ever win at a Women’s World Cup at any level, following a 0-0 draw Japan on Matchday one. While representing your country in their maiden global finals brings its own pressure, Zwiazek is no stranger to jumping in at the end deep end.“I started out as a swimmer, albeit a little reluctantly because of my parents,” the striker told FIFA. “However, I knew it was good for my health, so I decided to carry on, and it lasted eight years. I usually took part in school competitions and achieved good results.”
Struggling to find the time to combine the two sports, Zwiazek ultimately gave up swimming and settled on her favourite sport: football.
“When I compared the two sports, I realised I was better at football,” she added. “I prefer team sports. As a swimmer, I felt like I was on my own and that no one could help me. It’s different on the pitch. There are eleven of us, plus some players on the bench, and I can also rely on the support of the others.”
It’s also true the other way round. In swimming, you take all the credit for beating your competitors. Whereas in football, trophies are shared and sacrifices sometimes have to be made. The 17-year-old’s relentless efforts against the Japanese and Zambian defences have already yielded invaluable results in the Dominican Republic, even if it means taking a back seat.
The player has all the attributes of a centre-forward, producing tireless runs to stretch the opposition’s back line and wear down her opponents. However, she was not always cut out to lead the line. “I started out playing down the wing, but when I moved to Wroclaw, I switched to midfield,” she added. “While I was there, the coach told me she may need me up front, and I started scoring goals. As it turned out, I was better at playing as a striker.”
Zwiazek’s Poland have picked up four points after two matches, and are yet to conceded. This Wednesday, they face Brazil in Santiago de los Caballeros in what could be considered a play-off final, and the striker has no intention of returning home just yet.
“Personally, I’m feeling very positive, and I’ve been looking forward to this tournament a lot,” she admitted. “As a team, we definitely have our sights set on winning this tournament.”
Having beaten Poland at the UEFA European Women’s U-17 Championship 2024, the Spanish warned everyone to be wary of Zwiazek and her team-mates at this World Cup. After two matches, it is now much easier to understand what the European champions were trying to get across.
“We’re a good team. Although we’re a newcomer to the tournament, we’ve got what it takes to strike fear into anyone’s hearts,” said the striker.
Speaking of fear, the Polish number 14 is not one to be intimidated. While the Zambian team’s chants of encouragement were impressive, when the time came to warm up on Sunday, it was she alone who unleashed the war cry in an emphatic response to her opponents before taking to the pitch.
Voted Player of the Match, her captain Zuzanna Witek praised her efforts in the mixed zone. “Oliwia always gives her all on the pitch; she always does her best,” the midfielder said. “She’s a tough one to defend against. I’m very happy that she’s on our side because we need her!”
Poland will certainly need their best swimmer again next Wednesday to keep their heads above water against Brazil, and potentially book a spot in the knockout phase.
