Engel paid the price for World Cup failure (Allsport)
BITTER ENGEL SACKED BY POLAND
By PA Sport Staff
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Jerzy Engel has paid the ultimate price for
Poland's poor showing at the World Cup after he was sacked by the Polish
Football Association (PZPN).
Poland were the first European nation to qualify for the World Cup in Japan
and Korea but were eliminated just two games into their first appearance at a
finals in 16 years after suffering defeats against Korea and Portugal.
The PZPN's executive committee met on Friday to decide Engel's fate and despite
the fact that Poland did restore some pride with a 3-1 victory against the
United States in their final Group D outing he has lost his job.
"The decision was taken by people no one has ever heard of. It was sad and
unpleasant," said Engel.
"I lost against people who have never achieved anything in their lives."
Under Engel, Poland had a record of eleven wins, eight defeats and nine
draws.
The writing was on the wall for Engel on Wednesday when former Poland coach
Ryszard Kulesza, now a member of the PZPN's executive committee, led the calls
for Engel to be sacked.
"Engel should leave. There is no doubt he is responsible for our loss,"
Kulesza said.
"We played two very bad games, conceded six goals and scored none.
"We won the last match, but we did so thanks to some changes which were
forced by injuries and the suspension of Piotr Swierczewski."
Widzew Lodz boss Dariusz Wdowczyk and Wisla Krakow's Henri Kasperczak are the
front runners reportedly in the frame to replace Engel.
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