Thursday, June 3, 2010

Polonia or Legia?

Ask Warsaw locals what the football experience is like here and the majority will look at you blanked face and shake their heads . Due to crumbling stadia, security fears and years of under investment, attendances are relatively low and only true fans still regularly attend games. The times are changing though. Throughout Poland there seems to be a realisation that if the stadiums are modernized the fans will come back and that attitude is no different in Warsaw. In July Legia Warszawa's newly refurbished stadium will be unveiled in a friendly match with Arsenal, while just over a year ago Polonia Warszawa opened a new all seater main stand. 
The Improvements within the ground have as yet been unmatched by the quality on the pitch as the standard of play is well below anything you'll see in most other European top divisions. Yet that does not mean that going on a match can't be a great experience. When the fans put on a performance here it is a truely wonderful sight. The flares, banners and atmosphere are reminiscent of Seria A, only on a smaller scale.
The key question is though which team to go and watch. Most people here pick Legia, the team of the old regime, who for years have been helped out by the city government. But in my eyes there is only one choice - Polonia. Originally supported by the intelligencia during the early days of the clubs inception, the club are now considered by many to be the poor relation to their powerful neighbours over the river. Yet in terms of tradition, support and match day experience, nothing beats a trip to Polonia. Check out the international supporters club here http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=121014571253839&ref=ts

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