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RECORDS FROM PATRAS
As I am writing this text, it is almost 11:00 pm. The Poles have been in their rooms for tens of minutes, and the Turks just pass me by, one by one, in the hotel lobby – laughing, with phones in hands and headphones on their ears. Just their professionalism vs. southern idyll.
It might sound a bit pathetic, but it could be felt in the air today that the decisive match is approaching fast. At dinner, both teams came together to the cafeteria and crowded in one line, with plates in their hands. There was no exchange of pleasantries. Only the cool looks.
Already, in the morning, after a conversation with the coach, we agreed that, on that day, the players would not participate in any meetings before the cameras, so as to be able to fully focus on Sunday's match against Turkey. Instead, we planned to record the press material with Roberto Rosetti, staying in Patras – initially, he agreed enthusiastically with our proposal, but after speaking with a UEFA representative, he refused unfortunately. - I'm sorry my friend, my superiors do not agree to any conversations during the tournament. We will get in touch later - he said with his typical Hollywood smile.
The highlight of that day was to analyse the game of the rivals. All were impressed with the performace of thewinger - Dogus Incedere from Galatasaray, who, in the match with Norway, dribbled past five defenders, committed the goalkeeper and drove the ball into the goal. Once in South America, he would have been presented as: 'Gambety cult follower', i.e. crazy dribbling slalom. While the creativity of the Turks in attack is strongly joyful, defensivelythey are not so good. They have a lot of weaknesses. - I look at the Turks and us, and with the attacking potential of both teams, it could finish 8:8 tomorrow - said Oktawian Skrzecz, being, as always, in a good mood. An hour later, he posted the following message on his Facebook:
'Tomorrow at 3:00 pm, Poland - Turkey - the European Championships Qualifications. The most important match in our 'career'. 'Keep your fingers crossed!'
Well, do it. As hard as possible!
Jakub Polkowski, Patras
