History: That’s what’s great about momentous occasions like the World Cup…In this entry, a flashback to World Cup 1974.

While searching for entertainment for seven-month-old Zsuzsa and myself last daddy-daughter day, i happened upon my “Official Review of the 2002 FIFA World Cup” DVD. Naturally, i was most interested in the highlights the DVD might offer Team Polska fans…

Recently, this blog received an email which asked, “What do Polish fans chant in the stands to show support for the team?” and “What do they shout after they score a goal?” Some answers herein.

The greatest advantage Team Poland has going into this World Cup may very well be its relative obscurity. However, with the waves some of the potential roster are making, Poland assuredly will not remain the X-factor of Group A for long. This weekend, it was Radoslaw Sobolewski and Marcin Baszczyński blowing the Poles’ cover, accounting for two goals – both surprises – in Wisla Krakow’s 2-1 win over Pogoń Szczecin.

German football website www.dw-world.de recently ran an interview with Coach Pawel Janas. Though the interview took place in German and Polish while the version most surfers will read is in English, something is bound to be lost in translation. However, with a little application of the fan’s vast knowledge of Vacuous Jockspeak, Coach Janas’ true thoughts can be more easily understood.

Zibi is to Poland what Pele is to Brazil, Diego Maradona is to Argentina, Ferenc Puskas is to Hungary. And, like Puskas, when at the peak of his play, Zibi became a symbol of football behind the Iron Curtain itself. As World Cup 2006 approaches, Zibi quotes, anecdotes and opinions will grow to domination of the Polish sports media. It’s a phenomenon repeated each time Team Poland plays on an international stage, for not only is Zibi now the voice of football in Poland, but also the country’s link to past glory.

Near-home field advantage, weather, Artur Boric…in the end, nothing could stop the Americans in their 1-0 victory over Poland in a pre-World Cup friendly.

West Bromwich Albion’s goalkeeper and at the same time one of four candidates of being Poland goalkeeper no. 1 in Germany, Tomasz Kuszczak has bruised his collarbone during last WBA’s 1-6 defeated game at Fulham.

Poland striker Grzegorz Rasiak joins the list of players switching clubs in order to improve their World Cup chances.
Rasiak is moving from Tottenham to Southampton in the hopes that the move will enable him to see more playing minutes and to gain his form heading into the World Cup this summer.
Rasiak joined Spurs earlier [...]

Jerzy Dudek will get the playing time he has been so eager to get when he starts for Liverpool the next three games. Dudek will be in the lineup because Liverpool has decided not to appeal the suspension levelled against number one keeper Pepe Reina. Dudek has been mired on the bench at [...]