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Squad Watch: Week 3. Wasyl’s Career Broken?

August 31st, 2009 | By: tomasz | 38 Comments »

From all the players he was the last one I ever expected to experience something like that. Marcin Wasilewski, the toughest player in our national team, sufferred an open fracture in yesterday’s game against Standard Liege. He’s definitely injured for the whole season and out of our remaining World Cup qualifiers. His whole professional career is under threat as well.

Goalkeepers:

Artur Boruc (Celtic Glasgow)- 90 minutes against Hibernian
Lukasz Fabianski (Arsenal London)- not in the squad against ManUtd, injury
Tomasz Kuszczak (ManUtd)- on the bench against Arsenal
Sebastian Przyrowski (Polonia Warsaw)- 12 minutes against Ruch, red carded
Lukasz Zaluska (Celtic Glasgow)- on the bench against Hibernian

Defenders:

Barosz Bosacki (Lech Poznan)- 90 minutes against GKS Belchatow, note 6
Dariusz Dudka (AJ Auxerre)- on the bench against Boulogne
Seweryn Gancarczyk (Lech Poznan)- 90 minutes against GKS Belchatow, note 6
Kamil Glik (Pisat Gliwice)- 90 minutes against Odra, note 5
Pawel Golanski (Steaua Bucharest)- 90 minutes against Dinamo
Tomasz Jodlowiec (Polonia Warsaw)- 61 minutes and a red card against Ruch, note 3
Adam Kokoszka (Empoli F.C.)- match today
Marcin Komorowski (Legia Warsaw)- on the bench against Polonia Bytom
Marcin Kowalczyk (Dinamo Moscow)- 90 minutes against Krylia
Piotr Polczak (Cracovia Krakow)- 90 minutes against Korona, note 5
Jakub Rzezniczak (Legia Warsaw)- 90 minutes against Polonia B., note 5
Marcin Wasilewski (Anderlecht)- awful injury against Standard Liege
Michal Zewlakow (Olympiakos Pireus)- 90 minutes against Larissa

Midfielders:

Tomasz Bandrowski (Lech Poznan)- 90 minutes against GKS Belchatow, note 6
Rafal Boguski (Wisla Krakow)- not in the squad against Jagiellonia, injury
Jakub Blaszczykowski (Borussia Dortmund)- 72 minutes against Eintracht
Roger Guerreiro (AEK Athens)- not in the squad against Atromitos
Grzegorz Krychowiak (Bordeaux)- not in the squad against Marseille
Jacek Krzynowek (Hannover 96)- 6 minutes against Hoffenheim
Mariusz Lewandowski (Shakhtar Donetsk)- not in the squad against Barcelona, minor injury
Wojciech Lobodzinski (Wisla Krakow)- 79 minutes against Jagiellonia, note 5
Radoslaw Majewski (Nottingham Forest)- 90 minutes and a goal against Derby
Patryk Malecki (Wisla Krakow)- 90 minutes and an assist against Jagiellonia, note 6
Rafal Murawski (Rubin Kazan)- 14 minutes against Spartak
Ludovic Obraniak (Lille)- 21 minutes against PSG
Szymon Pawlowski (Zaglebie Lubin)- 90 minutes against Arka, note 5
Sławomir Peszko (Lech Poznan)-90 minutes against GKS Belchatow, note 6
Lukasz Piszczek (Hertha Berlin)- 45 minutes and a goal against Werder
Bartosz Salamon (Brescia)- on the bench against Crotone
Lukasz Tralka (Polonia Warsaw)- 60 minutes against Ruch, note 5
Jakub Wilk (Lech Poznan)- 90 minutes and an assist against GKS Belchatow, note 7

Attackers:

Pawel Brozek (Wisla Krakow)- 90 minutes and a goal against Jagiellonia, note 7
Kamil Grosicki (Jagiellonia)- 80 minutes against Wisla, note 5
Dawid Janczyk (Lokeren)- 90 minutes and a goal against Mouscron
Michal Janota (Excelsior Rotterdam)- 90 minutes and a goal against FC Eindhoven
Ireneusz Jelen (AJ Auxerre)- not in the squad against Boulogne, injury
Robert Lewandowski (Lech Poznan)- 90 minutes and a goal against GKS Belchatow, note 5
Dawid Nowak (GKS Belchatow)- not in the squad against Lech, injury
Grzegorz Rasiak (Reading)- 25 minutes against Barnsley
Marek Saganowski (Southampton)- 75 minutes against Stockport
Ebi Smolarek (no club)- season not yet started
Lukasz Sosin (Anorthosis Famagusta)- didn’t play against Ermis
Artur Wichniarek (Hertha Berlin)- 90 minutes against Werder
Maciej Zurawski (Omonia Nicosia)- 24 minutes against Pafos

Summary: It was the 25th minute of Anderlecht’s clash against main rivals Standard Liege. As usual, Wasyl was fighting hard for the ball, he wanted to tackle it out for a throw in. Axel Witsel came too late and treaded on Wasyl’s leg which resulted in a horrible fracture. Our defender is out for the season, his whole career is a big question mark at the moment. That’s extremely sad, especially that Wasilewski is one of the most hard working and positive thinking players in the national team. His dream was to play in the Premier League; physically he looked perfectly suited for it. He won his position at Anderlecht because of his commitment and hard work. He isn’t the most talented Polish player, but he is a one that improved heavily in the last couple of years because he had the balls to fight for his position abroad. He never withdraws from a tackle, this time it cost him the most serious of injuries. Wasilewski underwent the first of a series of three surgeries today. Afterwards he sent a text message to Polish journalists in which he stated that “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”. Unbelievable that he maintains this positive attitude even in such awful circumstances. This makes me believe that we’ll be able to cheer him playing for the Bialo Czerwoni in the future.

Don’t watch it if you don’t want to

That’s why Polish fans have a soft spot for Wasyl

The question that has to be answered at the moment is who’s going to replace the Anderlecht defender at the right back position. Jakub Rzezniczak from Legia was called up in his place, but I wouldn’t bet much money on him starting the game against Northern Ireland. Pawel Golanski has been picked for the first time since last year; still, it remains unknown how much faith Leo has in him at the moment. Nevertheless, I’d much prefer to see the Steaua full back taking reigns from Don Wasyl. First of all, he plays for a better team than Rzezniczak, I think there’s no point denying such a statement after our clubs’ “achievements” in the European competition. Secondly, he’s already played in serious national team games, he was a part of the team that defeated Portugal three years ago and took part in Euro 2008 (without much luck though). Finally, he already played alongside our central defenders (Zewlak and Dudka) and they know what to expect from him; it’s an experience that Rzezniczak can’t boast about. At the moment it is Pawel Golanski that deserves the place in the starting lineup. However, konowing Leo Beenhakker much can change during the week of training.

Wasyl’s injury aside, it’s the striker position that should prove the biggest puzzle for Leo. Only 2-3 weeks ago Robert Lewandowski was the sure choice, but after his recent displays no fan would back him up 100%. Lewy completely failed to “sell” his skills in the games against Club Brugge and hasn’t got a good game since the one against Korona (Lech’s 5-0 win). Yes he scored this weekend, but managed to waste a number of opportunities at the same time. His confidence seems to be at a rather low level; the bigger the expectations the worse he seems to be playing. Honeymoon is over for Lewy; now everyone expects him to lead the teams he’s playing in to victories, that’s a consequence of being a star. At the moment, Lewy fails to deliver on this huge promise. Pawel Brozek looks much more confident and, well, laid back. Wisla is unstoppable at the moment and Broziu regained his magic touch after a poor start to the season. Without any transfer talk filling his head he should deal with the pressure that surrounds the qualifying games. Our third striker, Marek Saganowski, is doing nothing to threaten Lewy or Broziu as he is yet to score in England’s Division 1 this season. Who do you want to score goals for Poland?

Highlights: Michal Janota with yet another goal. Cool finish.

Janota Vs. FC Eindhoven

Dawid Janczyk with his first of the season. Better times ahead?

Janczyk Vs. Excelsior Mouscron

Is this the Radoslaw Majewski that last season scored one single goal in the Ekstraklasa?

Majewski vs. Derby County

Lukasz Piszczek opens Polish goal account in the Bundesliga (raise your hand who thought it would be Wichniarek)

Piszczek Vs. Werder Brema

Robert Lewandowski scores against Belchatow

Pawel Brozek’s goal here.

Tags: Beenhakker, Brozek, Golanski, Group A, injury, Janczyk, Janota, Majewski, Piszczek, Poland, Robert Lewandowski, Rzezniczak, Squad Watch, Wasilewski, Witsel

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Comments

Displaying the most recent 25 comments from a total of 38 comments.

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By Wlodek | September 1st, 2009 at 8:15 am

In all fairness I feel really sorry for Wasilewski especially at his age but I dont think its a loss for Poland as his positioning is shocking, Just look at the Czech game as an example, he leaves us very vulnerable at the back when he moves forward and does’nt get back in time.

Posted from Greece

By SD | September 1st, 2009 at 11:51 am

I wikipedia’d Bronowicki and it says he’s playing for his hometown team. But what I don’t get is how he went from playing for Red Star Belgrade to playing for a second division team. He’s 29 years old just like Wasyl so does he not play as good as before his knee injury? That kinda makes me really worry about Wasyl…

By Alek | September 1st, 2009 at 1:28 pm

@SD

What happened to Bronowicki is that while he had his injury Red Star suddenly had no money and couldn’t pay any of their players. Bronowicki stayed to wait for his money I guess. This transfer window he tried to force his contract to be voided since Red Star hadn’t paid him in a year, UEFA agreed and he got a free transfer. I’m almost positive he got offers from EK teams, I think even Legia offered to take him back, but Bronowicki decided to go back to him home team to rebuild form for a year.

By zaraza | September 1st, 2009 at 2:11 pm

Some sources say that Ekstraklasa clubs dropped their interest in Bronowicki when he refused medical tests on his knee to verify that it had healed properly…

The guy who broke Wasyl’s leg has been suspended until November 23. He’ll miss about half the season, personally I think that’s far too lenient. He should be banned the same length of time as Wasyl is off the pitch. That would send a strong message and other players would think twice before making such reckless tackles.

Posted from Canada

By adas | September 1st, 2009 at 3:01 pm

zaraza, I agree that the punishment is too lenient. Leaving him out the same time as Wasyl isn’t so good an idea. If this is the end of Wasyl’s career, can you really end the other guy’s career? I’m not saying he wasn’t guilty, but I don’t think he wanted to break the leg. I think he may have been frustrated and reckless. And I’m sure someone would argue that a whole season is far too harsh. Remember, there is money involved here.

By zaraza | September 1st, 2009 at 4:13 pm

Ok I agree, there should be a limit, but I don’t agree that one year is too harsh. What he did to Wasyl was very harsh. Perhaps he didn’t intend to break Wasyl’s leg, but he was very reckless, and as a result, Wasyl’s career may be over. There have to be strong consequences to discourage such idiotic behaviour.

Posted from Canada

By zaraza | September 1st, 2009 at 4:23 pm

Wawrzyniak was banned for a whole year for taking a banned substance (which is only banned by some organizations but not the World anti-doping agency). They even threatened him with a two-year ban!! Is taking illegal substances a worse offense than causing severe injury to another player?

Posted from Canada

By adas | September 1st, 2009 at 5:54 pm

I’m not saying I think a one year ban is too harsh. Its definitely a considerable amount of time for a player to take off. I’m just saying because football has become a business, I’m pretty sure some action would be taken if that were the case. This is probably something that was done to keep both sides reasonably happy. Worst part is that the guy didn’t even walk over to say he was sorry. He just turned and walked away. Its a shame.

By Peter | September 1st, 2009 at 8:11 pm

Am I the only one that sees a foul there but definitely not a red card and certainly not a suspension.

By Kurwa | September 1st, 2009 at 9:48 pm

^ At Peter you must be blind not to see that was a reckless plan he could of easy just hopped over him. Or your just from Belgium and your a fan of that monkey ass nigga scum.

By Paradowski | September 1st, 2009 at 10:06 pm

All best wishes to Marcin for his full recovery. Doctors can put those bones back together and the bones should mend solidly. He still had his strong joints (knee and ankle). It will take strong will to work through the healing and re-strengthening, but sounds like Wasyl is just the man to do it.

By MarcinO | September 2nd, 2009 at 10:30 am

Come on now was that really necessary? Lets remain civil here. The tackle was reckless, there is no doubt about that. However, he accepted his mistake and apologized to Wasilewski and his family. He also accepted his punishment without complaint. He realized what he did was wrong and genuinely regrets what he did. You really can’t expect more from a 20 year old.

I understand your anger and frustration. However, if that was a Polish player that made that tackle, just imagine what we would go through. Lets move on and not allow this incident to escalate. Things like this will happen from time to time. This was just one of those extreme incidents where the result of a reckless tackle was a broken leg.

Peter is an idiot and clearly has some hidden agenda.

By adas | September 2nd, 2009 at 11:07 am

peter takes broken legs lightly. This was more than a broken leg. The thing split in half.

By Peter | September 2nd, 2009 at 8:25 pm

Peter does not take broken legs lightly. Peter is also not an idiot. Wasyl broke his leg, but the end result should not influence ones perspective.

Wasilewski was going in for a challenge at full speed (as he usually does). The guy was simply bracing himself. He even looked away, you can’t tell me he wanted to step on Wasyl, it was just a stupid freak accident.

By adas | September 2nd, 2009 at 10:57 pm

No, i’m not saying he wanted to do it. If I thought that I’d say ban him forever. I’m saying that he should have jumped over Wasyl rather than stamp on his foot. He wasn’t going to win that race, and he should have pulled up. Especially because Wasyl was on the ground before he could even reach the ball. I never said you were an idiot, I was just poking a bit of fun. It was nothing personal. I just think it was a little more harsh than a freak accident. He also looked more pissed than remorseful immediately after. He could have walked over and said something like “I’m sorry” to Wasyl. Perhaps that’s what cost him the suspension. He looked more like a thug than anything else. Remorse would probably have helped him, before he left the field and not after.

By Casimir | September 3rd, 2009 at 12:08 am

So who’s amped for this weekend?

By SD | September 3rd, 2009 at 1:46 am

It’s my last weekend before school starts. NY is like the last in country to start i think. Anyway I posted a comment that explained the the who Witsal thing but i guess it was too long and needs moderation… Last comment that I made that needed moderation never got put up. Anyway anything less than a win on Saturday is unacceptable. Oh and Poland went up 4 on Fifa rankings to 36. Greece dropped 1 spot.

By adas | September 3rd, 2009 at 9:37 am

I’m definitely pumped. Its been so long since the last qualifiers. I wish they could do this quicker. Considering Poland was on a bit of a down swing it might not be a bad thing. But when a team gets on a roll they shouldn’t have to wait months before they play again. Oh well. Here’s hoping they win convincingly.

By Witold | September 3rd, 2009 at 9:58 am

We need to win all the last games, if we will loose saturday, it will be almost over, if we will draw it will be also very difficult for us, so… Go Polska Go!!!

By Casimir | September 3rd, 2009 at 11:42 am

SD – where in NY are you? I’m up in buffalo these days trying to find a place that has setenta sports and showing it but looks like the closest is Toronto…

A win would be huge, great payback for what should’ve been a draw on that rubbish pitch and put us in second with a game in hand (tied with N. Ireland with points, but one less game) and in a position to take control of the group if we knock off Slovenia. A czech win and a n. ireland tie or win over slovakia puts us in first until the next round in October. Then we must must MUST beat slovakia at home, provided at least an away draw against Czech, if we are to get the automatic bid through, couldn’t ask for a better final game of the group honestly for the drama.

Posted from United States

By adas | September 3rd, 2009 at 12:24 pm

Maybe with the tightness of the group they’ll play all the games as they matter. A poor result doesn’t necessarily knock Poland out. It’ll only make it harder to succeed. If they play as they did against Greece, I think the rest of the group is in trouble. They definitely had more passion, unless it was just Obraniak carrying the team. If that’s the case, we’re in for a tough couple of months.

By SD | September 3rd, 2009 at 1:50 pm

@Casmir- I live on Long Island but I usually watch matches off live streams posted by the guys at http://www.polishsoccer.com . However the last match against greece, the stream with the best quality for me had a Greek commentator.
The thing is I know we can beat N Ire, we were so close to beating Slovakia away, and we beat the Czechs (but that was with their terrble old coach who got replaced. also the new coach brought back some of the banned players and now Jan Koller is back from retirement too). Slovenia is only one Im not sure of because it was the first match and I didn’t watch it. From the highlights seemed like a lot of missed opertunities. So the Slovenian match is only one i go into unsure of who will win.

By rydzynski | September 3rd, 2009 at 9:36 pm

the only bar in Seattle showing the game live is charging $20 cover charge…what the hell? have to wait until sunday to see the game at some cafe. Any other areas having cover charges like that? Or are Irish bars in Seattle shit

Posted from United States

By Casimir | September 3rd, 2009 at 10:04 pm

The $20 is since its not a regular setenta sports game, its like a “premium ppv” for them, the bars across the border in canada are doing that. $20 a person to see all the games that day.

I’m staying home and hoping the justin.tv stream is amazing again. Best stream I’ve ever had, not choppy and breaking up during important moments and scratching your head saying, “wait… zurawski actually scored?”

By SD | September 3rd, 2009 at 11:42 pm

OMG, I just rewatched VideoSport highlights on youtube and some Northern Irish are talking so much $***. I just want Poland to give em such a spanking that they go home and cry in their beds as they realise World Cup 2010 is over for them. Now the Slovakians can talk $*** but not those Irish.

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