Sunday’s match with the Dutch nationwide workforce will probably be extraordinarily essential for Poland, doomed to failure in Group D of Euro 2024. Ronald Koeman is accountable for the outcomes of the White and Reds. Michał Probierz has a worthy opponent who is legendary for his controversies.
Prior to now, he labored in England for a few years and had a comparatively brief stint on the bench of FC Barcelona. Nevertheless, the Dutchman was before everything an impressive footballer. Each in Catalonia and within the “Oranje” squad, he earned the standing of a legend.
By far the best achievement of Koeman and firm was successful the European Championship in 1988. Now, as a coach, the 61-year-old intends to make a shock by main the workforce to the title overseas.
Earlier than the Dutch defeated the USSR 2-0 within the decisive match, they eradicated the hosts within the semi-finals of the match. The West German workforce was main after a purpose by Lothar Matthaeus, however within the 74th minute Koeman equalized, and on the very finish Marco van Basten scored the successful purpose.
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The Dutch gamers went to the locker room after the ultimate whistle, however determined to return to their followers’ part to extend the enjoyment of the historic victory. Then Koeman determined to impress the locals and made an obscene gesture that obtained vast publicity.
Koeman first exchanged shirts with Olaf Thon, after which ostentatiously… wiped his buttocks along with his rival’s jersey. You may see a smile on the well-known footballer’s face, though this conduct didn’t make him proud.
The footage of the whole incident was not printed within the Netherlands for a few years, whereas in Germany Koeman’s conduct aroused large controversy. Curiously, the picture was taken by a married couple of photographers from Poland – Barbara and Norbert Rzepek.
Shortly after the ultimate towards the USSR, when requested about this case, Koeman heated up the environment. -I admit, I wasn’t allowed to do one thing like that. However I am unable to say now that I remorse it very a lot – stated the individual involved, quoted by “NRC”.
Koeman’s conduct confirmed that diplomacy shouldn’t be his strongest level. The gesture additionally had a symbolic dimension, as a result of anti-German sentiment was rising within the Netherlands after World Conflict II. On this method, the footballer needed to settle the rating.
Koeman was by no means punished for making an attempt to humiliate West Germany. The picture taken by the Poles was the one proof. Thon not too long ago referred to the Dutchman’s gesture in an interview with “SID”. As he emphasised, he had no grudge towards him.
– I used to be shocked he needed my shirt. I used to be not Beckenbauer, Matthaeus or Voeller. I can stand what he did. Nonetheless rather a lot higher than if he kicked me within the Achilles tendon. For some individuals, for instance, spitting is the worst factor. My God, you’ll be able to wipe it off. It wasn’t till the subsequent day that I learn within the newspaper what he had achieved. After the match, we drank a number of beers and rapidly forgot about his gesture, Thon recalled.
Match of the first spherical of Euro 2024 Poland – Netherlands on Sunday at 15:00. Broadcast on TVP 1, additionally obtainable on WP Pilot. Textual content report on WP SportoweFakty.
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