Poland (POL)

Poland have reached the final tournament of the EHF EURO for the ninth time overall, as they enjoy a steady period of participation in the event with now six consecutive appearances.

That record is not to be taken for granted, as Poland have a spotty history of participation in the Women’s EHF EURO before 2014. Before that, the team qualified only three times, although one of those occasions included their best ever finish in the event — fifth in 1998.

But Poland have never managed a big success at the EURO. At the four editions held starting in 2016, the team exited the competition after the preliminary round.

It was a very close call in 2022, however, as they finished the preliminary round in a three-way tie on two points together with Spain and Germany. Had the result in the last match between Germany and Spain been slightly different, Poland would have progressed to the main round and even brought two points through with them. Instead, they had to settle for another elimination after a campaign that included their first win at the event since 2014.

In other competitions, Poland have enjoyed some success at the World Championship — fourth place in 2013 and 2015 — but never qualified for the Olympic Games.

Only one player still in the squad was involved in those World Championship results, specifically in 2015: right back Monika Kobylińska. Kobylińska was Poland’s top scorer at the EHF EURO 2022 and second top in the 2024 qualifiers. The CSM Bucuresti back will be key as the rebuilt team aim for a breakthrough tournament.

Poland made their way to the EHF EURO 2024 through qualifiers group 8, which featured only three teams. Two wins against Kosovo booked their passage to the final tournament, while they lost both matches against 2022 finalists Denmark.

At the EHF EURO 2024, Poland will take on Spain, Portugal and reigning world champions France in the preliminary round.