Poland striker Smolarek doubtful for Colombia game

CHORZOW, Poland, May 30: Poland striker Ebi Smolarek may miss the World Cup warm-up game against Colombia today due to food poisoning, according to team officials.

Smolarek, usually a right-sided midfielder, was a surprise choice up front alongside Maciej Zurawski in the Poles' 10-0 demolition of local Swiss side St. Gallen yesterday, scoring three times in a game played behind closed doors.

''Smolarek was in bad shape after the flight and coach Janas decided to let him rest from training this evening,'' team spokesman Michal Olszanski said.

''It looks like he ate something bad on Sunday and has a light stomach problem. We are hoping he may be better in the morning, but he may not start against Colombia.'' The Poles begin their World Cup campaign against Ecuador on June 9. They also play hosts Germany and Costa Rica in Group A.

Their final friendly is against Croatia in Wolfsburg on June 3.

''We will try different options in the game with Colombia tomorrow. Then you will be able to see what style of game we will prefer,'' Janas told reporters. ''I will announce the 11 that will start against Ecuador after the Croatia game.''

Reuters