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13.12.02, 22:55
Wisla star guides Poland forward
In a disappointing season for Polish football, the white star of Wisla Kraków
has been a beacon of hope.
Incredible win
An exceptional 4-1 win at FC Schalke 04's Arena Aufschalke in Gelsenkirchen
has sent Wisla into the fourth round of the UEFA Cup and allowed Polish
supporters to rally behind one of Poland's oldest club's and their white star
logo after some disappointments in 2002.
Disappointing events
Failure at the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals, Zbigniew Boniek's untimely
departure as national coach and Ekstraklasa champions Legia Warszawa's
inability to reach the group stages of the UEFA Champions League had taken
their toll on Polish confidence.
Polish cheer
However, Tuesday night's UEFA Cup triumph, coupled with a reasonable season
for KS Amica Wronki and Legia in the same competition, has given the Polish
fans something to cheer about, and in Henryk Kasperczak's Wisla, they have a
side worth cheering.
Coaching experience
A former star of the Polish national side, Kasperczak's years studying
coaching France and taking charge of Tunisia, Mali and Montpellier Hérault SC
has paid dividends at Wisla, and on Tuesday they proved that previous
victories against NK Primorje and Parma AC were no accident.
Kasperczak's role
"We tried to hire Mr Kasperczak for a long time, and it was great when we
finally put him on our bench," said club president Bogdan Basalaj. "He lived
and worked in France for 24 years. Kasperczak is responsible for all of the
coaching systems used at the club, including all categories of players and
teams."
Fine team
Wisla's professionalism has been impressive in a troubled time in Polish
football, with players wages being paid on time and former stars only too
willing to return to the club and offer their services. That Kasperczak has
assembled a fine team has also done no harm.
Defensive prowess
French goalkeeper Angelo Hugues is an unconventional but exceptionally gifted
presence, while defenders Arkadiusz Glowacki and Marcin Baszczynski are every
bit as potent as attacking forces as they are determined and efficient in
defence.
Creative midfield
Creativity in midfield has also proved crucial with Kamil Kosowski whipping
balls in from the left while Nigerian Kalu Uche does the same from the right.
Meanwhile, Miroslaw Szymkowiak was in terrific form in the centre on
Tuesday. "He played an extraordinary match,” said Basalaj. “One of the best
in his career."
Irrepressible Zurawski
At the end of all of this play is striker Maciej Zurawski who is having a
terrific season. As if 15 goals in 15 Ekstraklasa games were not enough, two
more goals against Schalke on Tuesday brought his UEFA Cup tally to seven for
the season.
Winter warmer
With temperatures in Poland dipping below -10C this week, Kasperczak spoke
for many after the win against Schalke, saying: "The white star will shine
for us during the winter." It will shine all the brighter since no Polish
club has survived in Europe beyond Christmas since 1996.
'We won't lose our class'
Success has brought only one major worry for Wisla, who now face S.S. Lazio
in round four. Kosowski and Zurawski are both wanted by foreign clubs, but
Basalaj was quick to reassure supporters, saying: "Don't worry. Even without
them we won't lose our class.
Staying power
"I think my team could even possibly reach the quarter finals of the UEFA Cup
this season," he added. "We don't need to sell them, but we don't intend also
to stop their careers. Please keep in mind we have still something to do in
Europe and even if they move abroad, we will not lose our strength."
