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.
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Comments


I am sorry for Poland. I still don’t know why Francosky, Dudek and others didn’t go to Germany. I think you lost your chances the first day due to overconfidence and a surprising Ecuador. Still you have some potential so let’s see if Eurocup is better!!
Posted from
Luxembourg




To be honest experience gained during the World Cup taught me that I should not believe in Polish team anymore, unfortunately. I would probably never understand why Janas had decided not to take Frankowski and Dudek to Germany. There is one joke according to this sad (and sarcastic) situation:
Journalist to Janas: “Why did you loose the match?” Janas: “How could you expect me to win in without Frankowski and Dudek????”
Sad, but true…
Posted from
Poland




Great text, man. Poland had at least the chance to say goodbye with a victory. Heads up for sure!




By the way, I’m curious what will happen with Janas, the coach… any ideas? Should they fire him or give him another chance? I must admit that I’m a bit confused hearing so many different opinions, views… Should we really blame him or not? If not he, who should take the resposibility then?
I would be grateful if you’ll share your opinion with me… Oh, and keeep your fingers crossed for my exam tomorrow
I hope I’ll pass even though I spend most of time in front of TV watching World Cup..
Posted from
Poland




i’m polish and i’m proud of nothing
if we’re talking bout our football
pzpn is corrupted,janas or no janas
he’s just a branch of the tree, if we wanna do something in maybe 10years , we have to fuck up the root, we must fire listkiewicz, klejdnst and all dem corrupted bastards and start from scratch
i wanna say thanks to jelen – bosacki – and smolarek for the heart…
that’s it
pum pum
Posted from
Poland




Maybe it’s possible that in 2010 Lato and Boniek can strap on crutches and lead the poles to glory
Posted from
Canada




Does anyone have a DVD recording of this game? I missed it and would really like to have it for my World Cup DVD collection. I have all the other matches if someone would like to trade.
Posted from
United States


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