Poland make two changes for Germany game

DORTMUND, June 14 (Reuters) Poland coach Pawel Janas has dropped playmaker Miroslaw Szymkowiak and centre-back Mariusz Jop for Poland's World Cup Group A game against Germany, team spokesman Michal Olszanski today said.

''What I know from the coaching staff is that Janas as expected has picked Ireneusz Jelen instead of Szymkowiak,'' Olszanski told Reuters, confirming a report by Polish state press agency PAP.

''He has also dropped Jop in favour of Bartosz Bosacki in the centre of defence.'' The rest of the lineup shows Janas sticking with the 4-5-1 formation which lost 2-0 to Ecuador last week. Ebi Smolarek will play alone up front, with Jelen at right wing and Maciej Zurawski pulled back into midfield in place of Szymkowiak.

The Poles need at least a draw to keep their hopes of advancing to the second phase alive.

Janas will confirm his lineup 90 minutes before kick-off, set for 9 pm (0030 hrs IST).

REUTERS SY ND2306