Former Liverpool star Dudek believes Poland can make World Cup knockouts

KUALA LUMPUR – Former Liverpool and Poland goalkeeping great, Jerzy Dudek, believes his national team could pass through the group stage in the Qatar 2022 World Cup beginning in a week’s time.

Dudek, who is in Malaysia to compete in the World Amateur Golfers Championships (WAGC), admitted that “The Eagles” – powered by Robert Lewandowski and Wojciech Szczesny – face a tough test after being drawn in Group C with favourites Argentina, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia.

“But the draw favours us. We play Mexico first and then Saudi before our final group game against favourites Argentina (to secure a top-two finish and advance to the knockout stage),” he said in a statement from the WAGC organisers.

Poland, ranked 26th in the world, will first face Mexico on November 23, and a win will put them in a favourable place before facing lowest-ranked Saudi (51) three days later and the concluding group fixture against Lionel Messi’s Argentina (3) on December 1.

Dudek, 49, who played for Liverpool between 2001 and 2007, is well remembered for his incredible double save against Andriy Shevchenko in the dying minutes of extra time in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final against AC Milan. 

Milan led 3-0 at halftime, but Liverpool somehow forced extra time with three goals, before The Reds won the penalty shootout 3-2 with Dudek saving two penalties.

“It was the highlight of my career,” said Dudek, after a practice round at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club yesterday ahead of the WAGC scheduled from tomorrow till Saturday.

Dudek took up golf after hanging his football boots in 2012, and said that he is now addicted to the game.

Aside from golf, Dudek runs a junior football academy and also does television commentary.

This is the second time that Dudek is competing in the WAGC world finals.

The former Real Madrid player was here in 2017 and played on the KLGCC East course, The Mines Resort, Sg Long GCC, and Templer Park Country Club.

About 45 countries are set to take part in the prestigious amateur tournament. – Bernama, November 14, 2022