“Poland’s Sides Have Many Weak Spots”

Poland’s pressure-football, which is based on big heights and stamina, was extraordinary. Especially, the midfielders’ active participation in offense and the strikers’ movement were at world-level. However, defense seemed weak, as it had often broken down before quick speed and shown weakness in covering for the midfield when it participated in offense.

Korea’s first league opponent of the 2002 World Cup, the Polish national football team, beat Seongnam Club by 2-1 in the friendly match that took place at Seongnam Stadium 2 on the 26th. The Polish team introduced 16 players in total, as it substituted in 5 players in the second half, and overwhelmed Seongnam in all aspects, including stamina, speed, and strategy, even though it only displayed 70-80 per cent of its best.

∇Powerful Offense = Poland’s strikers, who participated in the day’s game, counted 4 in total. Poland put out Zewlakow and Kucharski as two-top in the first half, and let out 2 starting members including Olisadebe in the second half. Poland led offense with organic formation change, instead of playmaker for the game control. Although it maintained 4 defenders, the formation changed to 4-2-4 or 3-3-4 depending on different situations. 2 central midfielders were located up and down, penetrating at sides to seek blind spots in the middle.

Seongnam’s defenders allowed many chances for the Polish players. The first goal came from Kucharski in the 12th minute of the first half, as he kicked the ball in with his left foot after receiving forefront striker Zewlakow’s pass from the midfield. Nigeria-born striker Olisadebe came in during the second half, and used his speed and flexibility to create several chances. The second goal was made by Krzynowek in the 14th minute of the second half, as he kicked in Sibik’s centering from the right side of the penalty zone.

∇Defense Is Weaker Than Offense = The Polish defense’s core on the day was captain Waldoch, who only played for the first half. He, who is currently playing for Germany’s Schalke 04, took control of overall defense with brilliant capability for location and heading. Polish defenders were so tall that 1 meter 92 Hwang Yeon-Suk of Seongnam only looked ordinary. They used height and strength for marking Seongnam’s strikers. Goalkeeper Dedek, especially, blocked Kim Dae-Ui and Shin Tae-Yong’s sharp shots several times.

However, Poland’s right wing-back Klos seemed shaky on the day, as he failed to stop Kim Dae-Ui’s speed.

Football commentator Kim Ju-Sung said, “Poland seems to be in the recovery phase. It looks like there is certain weakness in defense, rather than offense, but it’s well-organized with good power and speed in overall”

He also added, “Korea must use quick speed to penetrate the sides, and good outcome will be expected if playmakers are used, someone like Yoon Jeong-Hwan.”

Hoon Lee dreamland@donga.com