Sydney FC star Adrian Mierzejewski still harbours hopes of representing Poland at the upcoming FIFA World Cup even if he believes his “dream” remains unlikely.
The Johnny Warren Medal contender has been a peripheral figure since winning his last cap in a 2-0 defeat to England at Wembley in October 2013.
Recent stints in Saudi Arabia and the UAE failed to advance his case, but an exceptional run of 12 goals in 18 appearances since moving to the Hyundai A-League has sparked talk of a recall in time for Russia 2018.
Mierzejewski is unsure if his sparkling form will be enough to convince long-term coach Adam Nawalka to select him for March’s friendlies against Nigeria and Korea Republic.
Poland qualified for what will be a first World Cup since 2006 by topping their group in qualifying.
Speaking as part of our ‘Extra Time’ series, Mierzejewski revealed he hasn’t given up hope of making it on the plane.
“The coach has his team. I think there are maybe two or three spots still open,” Mierzejewski told a-league.com.au.
“Maybe I am on the list but this list must be very long.
“I still dream about it. Maybe I will get a chance but realistically I am 31 now and I know maybe it will not come.
“I am happy with my CV – I played in the Champions League, Europa League and European Championships.
“This World Cup would be perfect but let’s see. Not everything depends on me.”
While acknowledging Poland underperformed during his time in the setup, Mierzejewski is enjoying a rich vein of form for the Sky Blues and boasts the kind of big game experience that comes in handy on the grand stage.
The versatile left-footer appeared at Euro 2012 having memorably opened his international account in a 2011 friendly win over Argentina.
“I always put this goal on YouTube and show it for my son,” he said of the strike.
“It was a really good game, one of my best games in the national team.
WATCH MIERZEJEWSKI’S GOAL ON YOUTUBE
“It’s an amazing feeling [representing the national team]. I played with the best players from Poland, like Robert Lewandowski, Jakub Blaszczykowski, Lukasz Piszczek, Grzegorz Krychowiak, Wojciech Szczesny.
“Unfortunately, when I played, we didn’t play really good football.
“Now the team is improving and I hope I can join it.”
