It says a lot about the strides that Poland have taken that they are now arguably considered the strongest side in their World Cup group.

The Poles have failed to make the finals of the tournament since 2006, where they were knocked out in the first round.

However, an unfortunate penalty shootout loss in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 has boosted belief that the side is a major force.

That lineup is largely unchanged from the one that will head to Russia, where they will be fancied as dark horse outsiders.

And with some of their key names in and approaching their twilight years, it could be the last opportunity of realistic success any time soon.

Form guide

Poland topped their qualifying group (
Image:
REUTERS)

Adam Nawalka's side successfully navigated the qualification stage with relative ease, winning eight of the 10 group fixtures.

That said, problems at the back were not uncommon, as they conceded more goals (14) than any of the other group winners.

Denmark inflicted their only defeat in a demoralising 4-0 scoreline, while recent friendlies didn't go to plan.

A 0-0 draw with Uruguay was followed by a defeat to Mexico, but on the whole the Poles look in good shape for the tournament.

Star player

Poland's forward Robert Lewandowski shoots for goal during World Cup qualifying (
Image:
Getty Images)

The success of Poland at the World Cup will much depend on their captain and talisman Robert Lewandowski .

With a record breaking 16 goals in qualifying, it's easy to see why the Bayern Munich striker is the key figure in the dressing room.

Lewandowski has established himself as one of the world's best front men, and has notched over 30 goals already for his club this season.

Deadly in front of goal, he's perhaps most famous for hitting five goals in nine minutes, and will be a sure contender for the Golden Boot.

Rising star

Piotr Zielinski is tipped for big things with Poland (
Image:
Getty Images)

Read our comprehensive guide to the 2018 World Cup HERE.

Once rumoured to be on the radar of Liverpool, Napoli's Piotr Zielinski is the bright young talent in the Poland squad.

The 23-year-old made the switch from Serie A side Udinese to Napoli after making his international tournament debut at Euro 2016.

An attacking midfielder by trade, Zielinkski has been capped 29 times for his country, scoring on three occasions.

He is also one of three brothers - all of whom are professional footballers - yet Piotr is the only one likely to be representing Poland this summer.

Squad in full

Goalkeepers: Bartosz Białkowski (Ipswich), Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea), Wojciech Szczesny (Juventus Turin)

Defenders: Jan Bednarek (Southampton), Bartosz Bereszynski (Sampdoria), Thiago Cionek (SPAL), Kamil Glik (Monaco), Lukasz Piszczek (Borussia Dortmund), Artur Jedrzejczyk (Legia Warsaw), Michal Pazdan (Legia Warsaw)

Midfielders: Jakub Błaszczykowski (Wolfsburg), Jacek Goralski (Ludogorets), Kamil Grosicki (Hull), Grzegorz Krychowiak (West Bromwich Albion), Rafal Kurzawa (Gornik Zabrze), Karol Linetty (Sampdoria), Slawomir Peszko (Lechia Gdansk), Maciej Rybus (Lokomotiv Moscow), Piotr Zielinski (Napoli)

Forwards: Dawid Kownacki (Sampdoria), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich), Arkadiusz Milik (Napoli), Lukasz Teodorczyk (Anderlecht)

Fixtures

Tuesday June 19: Poland v Senegal, 4pm, Spartak Stadium, Moscow

Sunday June 24: Poland v Colombia, 7pm, Kazan Arena, Kazan

Thursday June 28: Japan v Poland, 3pm, Volgograd Arena, Volgograd

Betting odds

William Hill go a decent 40/1 for Poland to emerge victorious in Russia.

*odds correct at time of publishing