Poland, Jun 9: Even with his starting 11 clearly tiring in the second half of their Euro 2012 opener against Greece, Poland coach Franciszek Smuda didn't turn to his bench.
The simple reason: Smuda's squad is painfully short on depth.
Smuda's sole substitution in the Group A match on Friday was forced upon him when goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny received a red card for a challenge in the box, prompting the coach to bring on No. 2 ‘keeper Przemyslaw Tyton.
But Smuda opted not to bring on any outfield players to boost a Poland attack that dominated the first half and wilted in the second.
The lack of solid substitutes is a serious problem for the tournament co-host if it wants to advance from the group stage.