LIVE STREAM: World Games – Poland v. United States in bronze medal battle July 24, 1p CEST (7a EDT)

AFI | 2017 World Games | 07/24/2017

Graphic: Igor Lazarevic

Team Poland hopes to take advantage of huge home support at the 2017 World Games in Wroclaw, Poland when they take on the United States (as represented by the United States Federation of American Football) in a battle for the bronze medal, Monday July 24.

Poland lost to Team France Saturday in the semifinals 28-2. The United States were defeated 14-13 by Team Germany in the other semifinal.

This is the first of two American football medal games at the 2017 World Games, in Wroclaw, Poland on Day 4 of the competition.

The last time American football was included as an invitational sport at the World Games was in 2005 when Duisburg, Germany played host and the home team won it all. Germany beat Sweden 20–6 in the final game while France took third place, beating Australia 14–0 in the consolation final. The United States was not represented at the event.

The last time the world got together to compete in American football was the 2015 IFAF World Championship. The United States, through the USA Football governing body, used a team of former college players who maintained their amateur status to absolutely dominate the rest of the international field.

Poland has been busy on the international scene in recent years, playing four games in 2016. Poland lost to Denmark 37-35 in a game they were leading at halftime and then dropped another close decision to Sweden 28-21 a month later. Against Team Sweden, Poland had a chance to tie the game late in the contest. Poland suffered a surprising 23-22 loss to Hungary. Finally, the Poles downed the Dutch Lions, or Team Holland late in the year 42-14.

Poland’s coaching staff is led by head coach is Brad Arbon who is also offensive coordinator. He is the former German National Team offensive coordinator, former Boise State Broncos player and Utah Utes coach. Defensive coordinator is Sebastian Tuch, former NFL Europe player. Olaf Werner who is former GFL player and current PLFA coach, will handle the special teams.

Team Poland quarterbacks Bartosza Dziedzica and Karol Zak did not have an easy time of it against France. They were constantly chased out of the pocket and had to make hurried or desperate throws. They will not face the same size against Team USA but with a game under their belts, the Unites States team will be better entering this game. Poland will have to expect a more organized defense. Team USA had only one practice prior to their game against Germany.

United States quarterback Dustin Hawke Willingham had an uneven game against Team Germany although he threw two touchdown passes. Hopefully, he will have had time to work on his timing in preparation for the bronze medal game.

This is the first time an American team has faced Team Poland in an international contest.