Poland 2, Costa Rica 1

It’s amazing how meaningful a meaningless goal in a meaningless game can be.

This thing was over at approximately 4:23.55pm Central European Time. Ronald Gomez sent a left-footer to the back of the net by going through ARTUR BORUC’S LEGS! It was yet another indignity for this Polish team, now outscored by a total of 4-0 overall, now certain to post zero wins verses three losses in World Cup 2006.

It was over. The Polish fans (“our magnificent supporters,” coach Pawel Janas had called them), supposedly a contingent supporting the tournament’s second home team, couldn’t even be bothered to hoot their team’s lackadaisical play anymore; certainly beer sales in Hanover spiked over the course of this saddest eight minutes-plus of the litany that was Poland’s World Cup 2006.

It was over. Janas’ head had been cleaved from his body and prepared on a lovely silver platter. The noose had been fitted for Boruc’ neck. Sports journalists were seeking synonyms for “disappointing,” “embarrassing” and perhaps even straight-up “bad.” Polish citizens were considering shifting their attention and devotion to the national water polo team. All hope was gone.

And then Batosz Bosacki scored. Poland 1, Costa Rica 1. The crowd was resurrected.

But Bosacki’s volley from six yards out wasn’t the wonderful meaningful meaningless goal. No, this goal merely saved some face and might allow four more years for Team Poland fans to hold their heads, if not high, then at least up.

Post-goal, Polish fans and teevee viewers alike could begin noticing things. Things like the sweet short passes Hash Bomber Smolarek and Jacek Krzynowek were able to dish out again and again. Things like the Poles’ relaxed yet controlled style of play, things like an excellent display of a how the 4-5-1 formation is supposed to work.

The teams went into the half tied up, and an international audience was treated to the spectacle of the bagged heads of a pair of Polish fans. (That gag never gets old, does it?) When the miracle came, the bags would come off.

The miracle. The 65th minute. After serious threats by the Bialo Czerwoni in minutes 52 and 65, Bosacki struck gold for the second time, heading home the corner kick. The tension palpable from two countries away was blown away.

It’s amazing how good “Go West” (or “Polska Bialo Czerwoni”) sung by thousands of high Polish fans can sound.

Team Polska held on for the 2-1 win, and yes, the team was still eliminated from World Cup 2006. Yes, there would be questions for the underachieving performers. Yes, the pessimists will say that Poland’s World Cup squads can only win when nothing is at stake. Yes, Janas’ future is still in doubt.

But for a while, just a little while, the scoreboard read 2-1. In a “meaningless” game, Poland had won – really won – as a team.

And on this night, that was enough.