Zbigniew Szrejber pulls in a pass for a big gain Courtesy of Przemysław Piotrowski

Poland's national American football squad made its international debut at the start of February, but despite a partisan crowd in Łódź they failed to make it a winning start. The White Eagles went down 27-14 to 2005 European Champions Sweden in front of 6,800 spectators at the Atlas Arena.

Sweden started the match strongly, scoring the first touchdown at the five-minute mark when wide receiver Johan Stahl caught a perfect pass from Anders Hermodsson. Soon after, Mr Hermodsson added a touchdown of his own after using his speed to carry the ball in to the end zone.

Poland's defense improved in the second quarter and helped the team shut out the Swedes. On offense, Zbigniew Szrejber made history, scoring his country's first-ever touchdown to enable the Eagles to go into the break down just 13-8.

But hopes of a Polish comeback were ended by two more Swedish touchdowns. The first came on another run from Mr Hermodsson in the third quarter and the second when he again found a receiver in the end zone, this time Fredrik Isaksson. The explosion extended the lead to 19 points.

Poland made the score more respectable in the dying moments, with backup quarterback Krzysztof Wydrowski making a spectacular dash into the end zone for six points. 

"I am proud of the players, despite the outcome," said Maciej Cetnerowski, head coach of the Polish national team, after the match. "Obviously, Sweden was a very strong opponent for us. The game turned at the end of the first half when we came so close to taking the lead but were unable to do so."

Mr Szrejber said the players still enjoyed the experience despite the defeat.

"On Friday, when we received our 'Eagle' shirts, all of the players were filled with pride. Although we didn't win, I think we don't have anything to be ashamed of."

Alex Zarganis, 
David Ingham