Wojciech Szczesny explains what it felt like to save Lionel Messi’s penalty and send Poland through to the World Cup final 16, while Juventus players will ‘give our all for the jersey, despite the chaos.’
The goalkeeper has become a real specialist at denying spot-kicks and after parrying one against Saudi Arabia, he also kept out Messi in tonight’s 2-0 defeat to Argentina.
Despite that result, Poland still squeaked through to face France in the Round of 16, eliminating Mexico on goal difference.
“I was fortunate twice this competition. It’s a great moment in the career of a player, the World Cup is the maximum and this is special,” Szczesny told RAI Sport.
“There’s a bit of work that goes into it too, but in order to save a Messi penalty, you need some luck as well.”
Poland seemed almost content to play for the minimal defeat, knowing Mexico needed a big victory to overturn the goal difference.
“We’ve got to do more against France. It was strange approaching a game where we knew a draw would be enough.”
Naturally, Szczesny was also asked about developments back in Turin, where the entire Juventus Board of Directors resigned on Monday evening, including President Andrea Agnelli.
“It is really sad, President Agnelli is a great man. Football life goes on, we players will give our all for the jersey, despite the chaos.”
Forza Tek