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ESPNsoccernet: World Cup |
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Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Poland happy with improvement in set-pieces
HANOVER, June 20 (Reuters) - Poland coach Pawel Janas said the players had responded to his tactics as they finally picked up points with a 2-1 win over Costa Rica in Group A on Tuesday.
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| Bartosz Bosacki heads home for Poland (DavidCannon/GettyImages) |
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'We were criticised because we couldn't score through set
pieces but today we did,' said Janas. I'm very happy. It was
very hot today and I'm glad the team responded to my tactics.'
Ronald Gomez put Costa Rica in front in the 24th minute but
Poland defender Bartosz Bosacki scored twice from corners by
Maciej Zurawski and Jacek Krzynowek either side of halftime.
Asked about Bosacki being deservedly named Man of the Match,
Janas said: 'It's a surprise for me. I expected it to be a
striker or midfield player but it was a defender.
'I'm very grateful to him that he scored two goals.'
Costa Rica coach Alexandre Guimaraes, who said he would be
discussing his future with the national team later this month,
blamed a lack of concentration for the defeat.
'We had a bit of a lack of concentration on dead ball
situations and that's where the goals were scored. Poland waited
patiently for their opportnites but they didn't have many.'
Captain Luis Marin added: 'We tried. We had enough chances.
It's disappointing to leave without a win.'
Germany finished top with a maximum nine points after
beating Ecuador 3-0 in Tuesday's other Group A game, with the
South Americans on six points ahead of Poland on three.