Does losing a friendly matter before World Cup?
by Nila Amerova
Polish Football Fan
Fortunately for Polish fans, friendlies don’t matter. Or do they? Poland’s shameful 2-1 loss to Colombia, their last friendly match, has sparked grave concern for polish fans and for Poland’s FIFA World Cup prospects. Not only did Poland lose on home turf, but the match was highlighted by a freak goal from Colombian goalkeeper, Luis Martinez, in the 63rd minute when his long punt bounced over the head of Poland’s keeper, Tomasz Kuszczak, and trickled into the net. A classic mistake! But one that may see Kuszczak’s hopes of a starting place in the finals in Germany, fade away.
In a post-match news conference, coach Pawel Janas, attempted to soothe the critics while defending his squad. “It's not yet time to talk about a crisis because we are still at the preparation stage,” said Janas. “This match was not a success and I do feel some concern. There were moments where we did not control the situation on the pitch and we did not carry out the tactics we had set ourselves."
On the question of starting goalkeeper, Janas declared that since both Artur Boruc and Tomasz Kuszczak were at fault for goals that could have been avoided, “it is still open which keeper will be number one for the finals. Both are in good form.”
On the other hand, what did matter to Janas, was the fact that the friendly loss to Colombia highlighted Poland’s weak defensive line. Overall, Janas was dissatisfied with his squad’s lack of dynamism and pace, “but we have another nine days until the finals and we will work on this in Germany,” he calmly assured the skeptics.
Considering Poland faces some tough competition in hosts Costa Rica in World Cup Group A, it remains to be seen whether coach Pawel Janas’ assurances are in vain. But for the sake of Polish fans, let us hope that this loss does not matter!
