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Goalkeeper debate...Szczesny or Tyton

 

A proven goalkeeper and Arsenal star, or a back-up that rose unexpectedly from the bench to stardom? Many do not envy Polish coach Franciszek Smuda the decision on who will be goalie at Poland's match with Czech Republic, a key game that will determine if the co-host advances to the Euro quarterfinals.

Wojciech Szczesny, a star player with England's Arsenal who regularly graces sports magazine covers, has been confirmed as Smuda's top pick.

But thousands of football fans are standing behind Przemyslaw Tyton, the back-up goalie who became the unlikely star of Poland's opening match against Greece on Friday.

In that game, Szczesny got a red card (and a one-match suspension) as Tyton came on to save a penalty with his first touch and preserve a 1-1 draw that spared them from humiliation.

Szczesny will be able to return to the pitch for Saturday's game, and Smuda has confirmed that the 22-year-old remains the number one between the posts

But Smuda has now also said the decision belongs to goalkeeping coach Jacek Kazimierski, who seems to be undecided.

“They are both in good form, they both show they deserve to play,” Kazimierski told TVN 24, saying he would make the final pick 24 hours before the game.