Preview: Costa Rica v Poland
Poland and Costa Rica were the first sides eliminated from this year’s World Cup Finals and there is nothing but pride and some coaching jobs on the line when the two meet in Hanover on Tuesday.
Both coaches will face scrutiny over the future of their positions when they arrive home, or maybe even sooner, but both have publicly stated a desire to continue in their respective roles.
The Poles Pawel Janas has expressed a desire to lead his side into the qualifiers for Euro 2008 which begin in September.
“I regret nothing. I took my decisions and that’s it. What I could do, I did,” said Janas who has caused a large amount of controversy at home when he left experienced goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek and forward Tomasz Frankowski out of the side.
“Of course I made mistakes. Only people who do nothing make no mistakes,” he said.
“What I could do, I did. Maybe someone could have done better but, sorry, I did it my way.”
Despite his ambition he would no doubt be aware of rumours which have linked veteran trainer Henryk Kaspeczak to his job.
Oh how he must wish Olivier Neuville didn’t score that injury time goal.
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Guimares: In the firing line |
His Costa Rican counterpart Alexandre Guimares is also facing the axe upon return, although at least his side has already scored a few goals.
“I’m in charge of this team, and I make the decisions,” said the coach who played at the 1990 World Cup.
“We’ll come to our conclusions after the third match, but, undoubtedly, to concede seven goals in two games, when we work so hard on our defensive system in training, is just too much.”
Games of this nature can often be entertaining given the lack of pressure the players have to perform under.
However given these teams’ first two performances, an entertaining game may be asking a bit much.