Brazilian-born striker Roger Guerreiro gave Poland a 1-0 halftime lead against Austria on Thursday after Euro 2008's co-hosts squandered a string of chances.
Austria should have been 3-0 up inside the first 20 minutes of the Group B game after Poland's ramshackle defence was repeatedly split wide open for a player to run through on goal.
Martin Harnik failed twice with Poland keeper Artur Boruc at his mercy and Christoph Leitgeb fared no better.
Poland, unrecognisable from the side who had qualified for Euro 2008 as group winners, were struggling to string two passes together before Guerreiro gave them a 30th minute lead.
Ebi Smolarek picked out Marek Saganowski with a long pass to the far post but the striker's effort was blocked and Guerreiro pounced to steer the ball home, Reuters reported.