The Soccernostalgia Interview, Part 70- Poland’s 2002 World Cup Qualification Campaign-Video Interview and Blog Presentation with Mr. Jakub Drożdż, the Founder of Polish Football Alamanac and Football enthusiast)

 

For this interview, I look back at Poland’s 2002 World Cup Qualification Campaign.

The Interview will be as a video link companion, while the Blog will be a presentation of the events.

This Interview will be followed by a future Interview about Poland’s participation in the 2002 World cup.

The Interviewee is:

Mr. Jakub Drożdż

 

Mr. Drożdż is the Founder of Polish Football Alamanac and Football enthusiast.

 

Mr. Drożdż’s contact info:

Twitter: @P_F_Almanac.

Website: http://www.polishfootballalmanac.net/

 

 

My contact information:

on twitter @sp1873 and on facebook under Soccernostalgia.

https://linktr.ee/sp1873

 

Blog Link:

https://soccernostalgia.blogspot.com/2023/04/the-soccernostalgia-interview-part-58.html

Poland’s 2002 World Cup Qualification Campaign:

 

When the year 2000 kicked off, Poland had not qualified to the Finals of any major Tournament since the 1986 World Cup.

The glory years of the 70s with Lato and Deyna and the early 80s era of Zbigniew Boniek were long gone. Poland were no longer a force at European and World stage and had no recognizable stars.

It was in 1999 that the first steps were taken in Poland’s renewal. Michal Listkiewicz was elected as the new President of the Federation.

His aim was to take Poland into a new era, as the old methods were no longer working.

He renovated stadiums and negotiated more favorable Television Rights. In addition, he brought into the fold the likes of Zbigniew Boniek, as Federation Vice-Chairman.

It would his choice of National Team Manager that would be the most significant. In early 2000, he appointed Jerzy Engel, born 1952  to replace Janusz Wojcik.

As a player, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Engel had represented Kujawiak Wloclawek, AZS-AWF Warszawa and Polonia Warszawa. He was forced to retire prematurely at the age of 22 due to injuries.

He then embarked on a long career as a Manager for the likes of Hutnik Warszawa, Legia Warszawa and Polonia Warszawa among others.

Engel did not make an immediate impact and his first few months at the helm were rather disappointing.

Poland were defeated by Spain (0-3), France (0-1), Holland (1-3) and managed scoreless ties with Hungary and Finland.

The press conference following the match vs. Finland (April 26, 2000, at Poznań) was rather uncomfortable as the Polish Press had become hostile following these disappointing results.

It was clear that Poland needed a striker of quality to put away the chances. It was at the suggestion of Zbigniew Boniek that the Nigerian-born Emmanuel Olisadebe was approached to obtain Polish citizenship.

Engel was familiar with Olisadebe, in fact it was Engel, at the time Manager of Polonia Warszawa, who had signed him in 1997 after the Nigerian had failed his trials with Wisla Krakow and Ruch Chorzow.

Olisadebe became a citizen in July 2000 and immediately paid dividends as he scored in his first match for Poland in a friendly vs. Romania on August 16, 2000, at Bucharest (1-1 tie).

When the World Cup qualifiers kicked off in September, it became clear that Olisadebe had been the missing link.

On September 2, 2000, at Kyiv, he scored twice as Poland defeated Ukraine (3-1) in a key away match that set the pace for the qualifiers.

In the following month, on October 7^th at Lodz, Poland took another decisive step with another (3-1) win over Belarus at Lodz with Radosław Kałużny scoring a hat trick.

A few days later on October 11^th at Warszawa, they were held to a scoreless tie by Wales.

They closed off the calendar year 2000 with a friendly at Warszawa vs. Iceland on November 15^th. Poland won (1-0) with Tomasz Frankowski scoring from the spot.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Hors Serie 37, March 2002 

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Hors Serie 37, March 2002 

The new year (2001) started in a positive fashion as Poland defeated Switzerland (4-0) in a friendly in Cyprus with Olisadebe once more amongst the scorers.

Poland would take a decisive step in qualifying in the March 2001 qualifiers.

On March 24^th, Poland came away with another important away win (3-2) at Oslo. Olisadebe’s two goals and Bartosz Karwan’s winner near the end sealed the win.

A few days later on March 28^th, Poland comfortably defeated Armenia (4-0) to consolidate their lead.

In the next month, Poland hosted Scotland in a friendly at Bydgoszcz on April 25^th, 2001 (1-1 tie).

Poland would get closer to qualification in the June 2001 qualifiers. On June 2^nd, they traveled to Cardiff and came away with yet another important away win as they defeated the Welsh (2-1). This made up for the point lost the previous October. Olisadebe once again scored as did Pawel Kryszalowicz, who became a key component of the team as the season progressed.

Photo From: World Soccer, March 2002 

Photo From: World Soccer, March 2002 

A few days later on June 6^th, Poland came away with a tie (1-1) in Armenia to close off a positive (2000/01) season and be on the verge of World Cup qualification.

The (2001/02) season started with a friendly at Reykjavik vs. Iceland on August 15^th, 2001, that ended as a (1-1) tie.

The decisive qualifier was on September 1^st, 2001, at Chorzów vs. Norway. Poland broke the deadlock just before halftime through Pawel Kryszalowicz.

Two late goals by Emmanuel Olisadebe (77^th minute) and Marcin Zewlakow (88^th minute) sealed the win and qualification.

Poland had qualified for its first World Cup since 1986, a gap of 16 years, with a couple of matches to spare.

Engel described this as ‘a turning point’ and ‘start of a new era in Polish Football’.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 161, June 2002

(Poland squad, September 1, 2001, World Cup Qualifier, Poland 3-Norway 0)

Naturally, they went off the boil just a few days later as they traveled to Minsk. They were perhaps still in a celebratory mood and the pressure was off as they were trounced (1-4). Engel felt this could serve as a lesson, he stated, ’Now we know that during the World Cup there will be no time for any victory celebration before the next match.’

Poland closed off its World Cup campaign the following month at home at Chorzów on October 6^th, 2001, vs. Ukraine (1-1 tie).

Emmanuel Olisadebe scored his eighth goal in the qualifiers (and 10th overall for Poland) to justify his inclusion.

Poland closed off the calendar year with a friendly at Poznań on November 14^th, 2001, against Cameroon to celebrate qualification (match ended as a scoreless tie).

Jerzy Engel had a backbone of a team with new Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek firmly established in goal with Adam Matysek in reserve.

In his 4-4-2 formation, the defense was made up of Tomasz Kłos and Michal Zewlakow on the flanks with Schalke pair of National Team captain Tomasz Wałdoch and Tomasz Hajto in the center. Jacek Zielinski and Jacek Bak were called upon when required.

The midfield organizer was Piotr Świerczewski, complemented with the likes of Bartosz Karwan, Radoslaw Kaluzny and Marek Kozminski. Jacek Krzynówek and Tomasz Iwan were also in the mix.

Upfront Oisadebe was paired with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Pawel Kryszalowicz (who displaced Andrzej Juskowiak) with Michal’s brother Marcin Zewlakow providing competition.

For Engel, his team was one of no stars with unity as the strength of the team.

The target of qualification had been set and Jerzy Engel was the toast of the Nation.

The Nation was looking forward to a first World Cup in sixteen years. However, qualifying and participating in the Finals as two different things and Poland would find out.

References:

Bialo Czerwoni 1921-2001, Author Andrzej Gowarzewski

World Soccer, October 2000

World Soccer, December 2000

World Soccer, Summer 2001

World Soccer, June 2001

World Soccer, October 2001

World Soccer, November 2001

France Football, Issue 2891, September 4, 2001

Photo From: Bialo Czerwoni 1921-2001, Author Andrzej Gowarzewski

(Poland squad, September 1, 2001, World Cup Qualifier, Poland 3-Norway 0)

Tributes-Part 36 (July 2023 through September 2023)

 

 

Tributes:     Klaus Täuber (January 17, 1958-July 1, 2023)

Vincenzo D’Amico (November 5, 1954-July 1, 2023)

Christian Dalger (December 19, 1949-July 1, 2023)

Theodorus Hermanus Johannes Maria ‘Theo’ Pahlplatz (April 3, 1947-July 2, 2023)

Wayne Duncan Evans (August 25, 1971-July 2, 2023)

Georges Bereta (May 15, 1946-July 4, 2023)

John Gregory Berylson (June 2, 1953-July 4, 2023)

Keith Ball (October 26, 1940-July 5, 2023) (Death announced on this date)

Atti Abonyi (August 10, 1946-July 6, 2023)

Asbjorn Sennels (January 17, 1979-July 9, 2023)

Luis Suarez Miramontes (May 2, 1935-July 9, 2023)

Tommy Moeller Nielsen (August 5, 1961-July 9, 2023) (Death announced on this date)

Umit Birol (January 26, 1953-July 10, 2023)

Philippe Garot (November 30, 1948-July 11, 2023)

Dmitri Alekseyevich Ivanov (September 17, 1970-July 11, 2023)

Selida Ikramovich Baishakov (August 28, 1950-July 12, 2023)

Chris Garland (April 24, 1949-July 13, 2023)

Vladimir Mikhailovich Silovanov (February 3, 1967-July 14, 2023)

Michael Dusek (November 10, 1958-July 14, 2023)

Blagomir Krivokuca (September 1, 1944-July 14, 2023)

Vitor Manuel da Cruz Godinho (October 27, 1944-July 15, 2023)

Daniel Frasson (December 10, 1966-July 15, 2023)

Vanderlei Eustaquio de Oliveira, Palhinha (June 11, 1950-July 17, 2023)

Robert Budzynski (May 21, 1940-July 17, 2023)

Bhaskran R. Sathianathan (May 9, 1958-July 18, 2023)

Michael Stephen Hellawell (June 30, 1938-July 18, 2023) (Death announced on this date)

Jose Manuel Sulantay Silva (April 3, 1940-July 20, 2023)

Adolf Scherer (May 5, 1938-July 22, 2023)

Abdul Karim Ali Homaidi ‘Karim Allawi’ (July 1, 1928-July 22, 2023)

Paul Frank Hince (March 2, 1945-July 22, 2023)

Hassan Amcharrat (1948-July 22, 2023)

Ernesto Enrique Mastrangelo (July 5, 1948-July 22, 2023)

Aleksandr Vladimirovich Tsilyurik (March 1, 1965-July 23, 2023)

Gunther Herrmann (September 11, 1939-July 24, 2023) (Death announced on this date)

Trevor John Francis (April 19, 1954-July 24, 2023)

Christopher Gerald Bart-Williams (June 16, 1974-July 24, 2023)

Anthony John Priscott (March 19, 1941-July 25, 2023)

Jan Polgar (May 31, 1929-July 27, 2023) (Death announced on this date)

David W. Potter (August 29, 1948-July 29, 2023)

Bernard Rooney (May 3, 1943-July 30, 2023) (Death announced on this date)

Dragu Badin (August 7, 1947-July 30, 2023)

Jorge Carlos Alberto Dominguez (March 7, 1959-July 30, 2023)

Anthony James Brien (February 10, 1969-August 1, 2023)

Nermin Crnkic (August 31, 1992-August 5, 2023)

Veniamin Anatolyevich Mandrykin (August 30, 1981-August 6, 2023)

John William Coddington (December 16, 1937-August 9, 2023) (Death announced on this date)

Alec Jackson (May 29, 1937-August 10, 2023)

John Brown Caven (October 11, 1936-August 13, 2023) (Death announced on this date)

Brian Victor Snowdon (January 1, 1935-August 14, 2023) (Death announced on this date)

Mohammed Habib (July 17, 1949-August 15, 2023)

Edgar Ceferino Marin Levi (May 22, 1943-August 16, 2023)

Miroslav Boskovic (January 3, 1947-August 17, 2023)

Carlo Mazzone (March 19, 1937-August 19, 2023)

Francesco Scorsa (December 17, 1946-August 19, 2023)

Lorenz Horr (September 27, 1942-August 19, 2023)

Andrew George Rankin (May 11, 1944-August 21, 2023)

Bobby Noble (December 18, 1945-August 22, 2023)

Jorge Vicente Lecaro Coronel (June 8, 1936-August 23, 2023)

Hugh Patrick Murney (January 29, 1939-August 24, 2023)

Kalman Gerencseri (January 9, 1945-August 24, 2023) (Death announced on this date)

Shahriyar Agali oglu Rahimov (April 6, 1989-August 25, 2023)

Bertrand Marchand (April 27, 1953-August 26, 2023)

Waldemar Victorino Barreto (May 22, 1952 -August 29, 2023)

Guy Calleja (May 29, 1938 -August 29, 2023)

Piero Trapanelli (July 13, 1924 -August 30, 2023)

Mohamed Al-Fayed (January 27, 1929 -August 30, 2023)

Jan Jongbloed (November 25, 1940 -August 31, 2023)

Salif Keita Traoré (December 8, 1946 -September 2, 2023)

Ilija Mitic (July 19, 1940 -September 2, 2023)

Mark Pearson (October 28, 1939 -September 2, 2023)

Gilberto Hernandez Bultron (June 26, 1997 -September 3, 2023)

Frank ‘Jingles’ Pereira (November 2, 1945-September 3, 2023)

Hameur Hizem (September 22, 1937 -September 4, 2023)

Violeta Mitul (April 3, 1997 -September 4, 2023)

Ian Richard Hamilton (December 14, 1967-September 6, 2023) (Death announced on this date)

Alberto Ginulfi (November 30, 1941 -September 6, 2023)

Jose Maria Aguero Araya (June 25, 1947 -September 6, 2023)

Leopold Grausam (June 29, 1943 -September 8, 2023)

John Harris (April 3, 1939-September 9, 2023) (Death announced on this date)

Rainer Troppa (August 2, 1958-September 9, 2023) (Death announced on this date)

Olav Boksasp (February 12, 1958-September 9, 2023)

Hernan Carrasco Vivanco (March 29, 1923 -September 10, 2023)

Colin Ayre (March 14, 1956 -September 10, 2023)

Dominique Colonna (September 4, 1928 -September 12, 2023)

Bjarni Felixson (December 27, 1936 -September 14, 2023)

Burhan Sargun (February 11, 1929 -September 15, 2023)

Paulo Anchieta Goulart Filho (March 11, 1965 -September 15, 2023)

Colin Victor Murphy (January 21, 1950 -September 16, 2023)

Arild Hetleoen (December 28, 1942 -September 16, 2023)

Ronald McKinnon (August 20, 1940 -September 17, 2023)

Arthur Longbottom (January 30, 1933 -September 17, 2023)

Mario Peres Ulibarri, Marinho Peres (March 19, 1947 -September 18, 2023)

Egil Flemming Johansen (April 30, 1962 -September 19, 2023)

Severino Lojodice (October 25, 1933 -September 19, 2023)

Serhiy Hennadiyovych Bashkyrov (March 11, 1959 -September 19, 2023)

Slobodan Cendic (August 28, 1938 -September 19, 2023)

Camille Dimmer (April 20, 1939-September 20, 2023) (Death announced on this date)

Odilon Polleunis (May 1, 1943-September 20, 2023)

Maddy Cusack (October 28, 1995-September 20, 2023)

Boris Petyrovich Starukhin (May 14, 1950-September 20, 2023)

Yoel Alroy (1930-September 21, 2023)

Jose Lemos Rodriguez (February 1, 1962-September 21, 2023)

Robin Gladwin (August 12, 1940-September 21, 2023) (Death announced on this date)

Sharar Haidar (August 15, 1971-September 22, 2023)

Giovanni Lodetti (August 10, 1942-September 22, 2023)

Americo Ferreira Lopes (March 6, 1933-September 22, 2023)

Bernardino Fabbian (February 11, 1950-September 22, 2023)

Osman Mustafa Mema (July 2, 1939-September 25, 2023)

Gyorgy Kottan (October 6, 1946-September 25, 2023)

Henry Poole (January 31, 1935-September 26, 2023)

David Thomas Hughes (March 19, 1958-September 26, 2023) (Death announced on this date)

James Forrest (September 22, 1944-September 27, 2023)

Volodymyr Koman (February 20, 1964-September 27, 2023)

Erick Stalin Morillo Calderon (February 19, 2000-September 30, 2023)

Galip Haktanir (August 1, 1921-September 30, 2023)

 

Klaus Täuber 

Klaus Täuber was a German striker from the 70s and 80s.

He had spells at Nuremberg, Stuttgart Kickers, Schlake and Bayer Leverkusen.

He passed away on July 1^st, 2023, aged 65.

 

Photo From: Das Gesicht der Bundesliga 1987-88

(Klaus Täuber)

 

Vincenzo D’Amico 

Vincenzo D’Amico was an Italian midfielder from the 70s and 80s.

He had spells at Lazio, Torino and Ternana.

He passed away on July 1^st, 2023, aged 68.

 

Photo From: 1984-85 Calciatori Panini

(Vincenzo D’Amico)

 

 

Christian Dalger 

Christian Dalger was a French forward from the 70s and 80s.

He had spells at Toulon and Monaco.

He earned 6 caps between 1974 and 1978.

He passed away on July 1^st, 2023, aged 73.

 

Photo From: World Cup 78, by Phil Soar

(Christian Dalger)

 

Theodorus Hermanus Johannes Maria ‘Theo’ Pahlplatz 

Theodorus Hermanus Johannes Maria ‘Theo’ Pahlplatz was a Dutch striker from the 60s into the 80s.

He had spells at Twente Enschede and FC Epe.

He earned 13 caps between 1967 and 1972.

He passed away on July 2^nd, 2023, aged 76.

 

Photo From: HOL 1968-69 Vanderhout

(Theodorus Hermanus Johannes Maria ‘Theo’ Pahlplatz)

Wayne Duncan Evans 

Wayne Duncan Evans was a Welsh defender from the 90s into the 2010s.

He had spells at Walsall and Rochdale among others.

He passed away on July 2^nd, 2023, aged 51.

 

Georges Bereta 

Georges Bereta was a French striker from the 60s and 70s.

He had spells at St Etienne and Olympique Marseille.

He earned 44 caps between 1967 and 1975.

He passed away on July 4^th, 2023, aged 77.

 

Photo From: Panini France 1975-76

(Georges Bereta)

 

John Gregory Berylson 

John Gregory Berylson was an American businessman and Chairman of English side Milwall.

He was killed in a Traffic accident on July 4^th, 2023, aged 70.

 

Keith Ball 

Keith Ball was an English goalkeeper from the 50s into the 70s.

He had spells at Walsall and Port Vale among others.

His death was announced on July 5^th, 2023, aged 82.

 

Atti Abonyi 

Atti Abonyi was a Hungarian-born Australian Footballer from the 60s into the 80s.

He had spells at Melbourne Hungaria, St. George-Budapest, Sydney Croatia and Melita Eagles.

He earned 61 caps between 1967 and 1977.

He passed away on July 6^th, 2023, aged 76.

 

Asbjorn Sennels 

Asbjorn Sennels was a Danish defender from the 90s into the 2010s.

He had spells at Viborg and Brondby among others.

He earned 2 caps between 2003 and 2004.

He passed away on July 9^th, 2023, aged just 44 from cancer.

 

Luis Suarez Miramontes 

Luis Suarez Miramontes was a Spanish Footballer from the 50s into the 70s.

He had spells at Deportivo La Coruna, CD Condal, Barcelona, Internazionale Milano and Sampdoria.

He was a member of Spain’s 1964 UEFA European Championship winning side.

He won the Ballon d’Or in 1960.

He later had a career as a Manager and managed the Spanish National Team and Internazionale Milano among others.

He earned 32 caps between 1957 and 1972.

He passed away on July 9^th, 2023, aged 88.

 

Photo From: Football Magazine, Issue 12, January 1961

(Luis Suarez Miramontes)

 

Tommy Moeller Nielsen 

Tommy Moeller Nielsen was a Danish Footballer and later Manager.

He was the son of former Denmark National Team Manager Richard Moeller Nielsen.

He had spells at Odense BK, KB and B1909.

He later managed B1909 and Viborg among others.

His death was announced on July 10^th, 2023, aged 61.

 

Umit Birol 

Umit Birol was a Turkish midfielder from the 80s and 90s.

He had spells at Samsunspor and Fenerbahce among others.

He earned a solitary cap for his Nation in 1991.

He passed away on July 10^th, 2023, aged 60.

 

Philippe Garot 

Philippe Garot was a Belgian Footballer from the 70s and 80s.

He had spells at Standard Liege and Beveren among others.

He earned 2 caps between 1977 and 1979.

He passed away on July 11^th, 2023, aged 74.

 

Photo From: Panini Belgium 1978/79

(Philippe Garot)

 

Dmitri Alekseyevich Ivanov 

Dmitri Alekseyevich Ivanov was a Russian Footballer from the 80s into the 2000s.

He had spells at Torpedo Moscow and Rubin Kazan among others.

He passed away on July 11^th, 2023, aged 52.

 

Selida Ikramovich Baishakov 

Selida Ikramovich Baishakov was a Kazakh defender from the 70s and 80s.

He had spells at Energetik Dzhambul and FC Kairat.

He earned 2 caps in 1977 for the Soviet Union

He passed away on July 12^th, 2023, aged 72.

 

Chris Garland 

Chris Garland was an English forward from the 60s into the 80s.

He had spells at Chelsea and Bristol City among others.

He passed away on July 13^th, 2023, aged 74.

 

Photo From: 75-76 FKS

(Chris Garland)

 

Vladimir Mikhailovich Silovanov 

Vladimir Mikhailovich Silovanov was a Russian midfielder from the 90s.

He had spells at SKD Smolensk and Kristall Smolensk among others,

He passed away on July 14^th, 2023, aged 56.

 

Michael Dusek 

Michael Dusek was a German defender from the 70s and 80s.

He spent his career at Kaiserslautern.

He passed away on July 14^th, 2023, aged 64.

 

Photo From: Das Gesicht der Bundesliga 1987-88

(Michael Dusek)

 

Blagomir Krivokuca 

Blagomir Krivokuca was a Serbian defender from the 60s and 70s.

He had spells at Javor Ivanjica, OFK Belgrade and Freiburg.

He passed away on July 14^th, 2023, aged 78.

 

 

Vitor Manuel da Cruz Godinho

Vitor Manuel da Cruz Godinho was a Portuguese striker from the 60s into the 80s.

He had spells at Belenensses and Sacavenense.

He earned a solitary cap for his Nation in 1975.

He passed away on July 15^th, 2023, aged 78.

 

Daniel Frasson 

Daniel Frasson was a Brazilian Footballer from the 80s into the 2000s.

He had spells at Bragantino and Palmeiras among others.

He passed away on July 15^th, 2023, aged 56.

 

Vanderlei Eustaquio de Oliveira, Palhinha 

Vanderlei Eustaquio de Oliveira, Palhinha was a Brazilian striker from the 60s into the 80s.

He had spells at Cruzeiro and Corinthians among others.

He earned 16 caps between 1973 and 1979.

He passed away on July 17^th, 2023, aged 73.

 

Photo From: Panini World Cup 1974

(Vanderlei Eustaquio de Oliveira, Palhinha)

 

Robert Budzynski 

Robert Budzynski was a French defender from the 50s and 60s.

He had spells at RC Lens and Nantes.

He was the Technical Director of Nantes from 1970 until 2005.

He earned 11 caps between 1965 and 1967.

He passed away on July 17^th, 2023, aged 83.

 

Photo From: France Football, Issue 3107, October 25, 2005

(Robert Budzynski)

 

Bhaskran R. Sathianathan 

Bhaskran R. Sathianathan was a Malaysian Footballer from the 70s and 80s.

He had spells at Negeri Sembilan FA and Malacca FA.

He earned 15 caps between 1979 and 1983.

He passed away on July 18^th, 2023, aged 65.

 

Michael Stephen Hellawell 

Michael Stephen Hellawell was an English Footballer from the 50s into the 70s.

He had spells at Queens Park Rangers and Sunderland among others.

He earned 2 caps in 1962.

His death was announced on July 18^th, 2023, aged 85.

 

Jose Manuel Sulantay Silva 

Jose Manuel Sulantay Silva was a Chilean Footballer from the 50s into the 70s.

He had spells at Deportes La Serena and Palestino among others.

He passed away on July 20^th, 2023, aged 83.

 

Adolf Scherer 

Adolf Scherer was a Czech striker from the 50s into the 70s.

He had spells at CH Bratislava and Nimes among others.

He earned 36 caps between 1958 and 1964.

He passed away on July 22^nd, 2023, aged 85.

 

Photo From: 62 - Disgra

(Adolf Scherer)

 

 

Abdul Karim Ali Homaidi ‘Karim Allawi’ 

Abdul Karim Ali Homaidi ‘Karim Allawi’ was a Iraqi striker from the 40s into 1960.

He spent his career at Al-Mina’a.

He represented the Iraqi national Team in the 1950s.

He passed away on July 22^nd, 2023, aged 95.

 

Paul Frank Hince 

Paul Frank Hince was an English Footballer from the 60s and 70s.

He had spells at Manchester City and Bury among others.

He passed away on July 22^nd, 2023, aged 78.

 

Hassan Amcharrat 

Hassan Amcharrat was a Moroccan striker from the 60s into the 80s.

He had spells at Chabab Mohammedia and Raja Casablanca.

He earned 39 caps between 1971 and 1979.

He passed away on July 22^nd, 2023, aged 75.

 

Ernesto Enrique Mastrangelo 

Ernesto Enrique Mastrangelo was an Argentine striker from the 60s into the 80s.

He had spells at Atlanta, River Plate, Union de Santa Fe and Boca Juniors.

He earned 7 caps between 1971 and 1972.

He passed away on July 22^nd, 2023, aged 75.

 

Photo From: Chapitas 1969-70

(Ernesto Enrique Mastrangelo)

 

Aleksandr Vladimirovich Tsilyurik 

Aleksandr Vladimirovich Tsilyurik was a Russian Footballer from the 80s into the 2000s.

He had spells at Mayak Kharkiv and Baltika Kaliningrad among others.

He passed away on July 23^rd, 2023, aged 58.

 

Gunther Herrmann 

Gunther Herrmann was a German Footballer from the 50s into the 70s.

He had spells at Eintracht Trier, Karlsruhe, Schalke and Sion.

He earned 9 caps between 1960 and 1967.

His death was announced on July 24^th, 2023, aged 83.

 

Trevor John Francis 

Trevor John Francis was an English striker from the 70s into the 90s.

He had spells at Nottingham Forest and Sampdoria among others.

He earned 52 caps between 1977 and 1986.

He passed away on July 24^th, 2023, aged 69.

 

Photo From: Panini England 79-80

(Trevor John Francis)

 

Christopher Gerald Bart-Williams 

Christopher Gerald Bart-Williams was an English Footballer from the 90s and 2000s.

He had spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest among others.

He passed away on July 24^th, 2023, aged 49.

 

Photo From: Merlin 93-94

(Christopher Gerald Bart-Williams)

 

Anthony John Priscott 

Anthony John Priscott was an English Footballer from the 60s and 70s.

He had spells at Portsmouth and Aldershot among others.

He passed away on July 25^th, 2023, aged 82.

 

Jan Polgar 

Jan Polgar was a Slovakian striker from the 40s and 50s.

He had spells at Tatran Presov and Lokomotiva Kosice among others.

His death was announced on July 27^th, 2023, aged 94.

 

David W. Potter

David W. Potter was a Scottish sports writer and Author on Cricket and Football.

He passed away on July 29^th, 2023, aged 74.

 

Bernard Rooney 

Bernard Rooney was a Scottish defender from the 50s into the 70s.

He had spells at Dundee United and St. Johnstone among others.

His death was announced on July 30^th, 2023, aged 80.

 

Dragu Badin 

Dragu Badin was a Romanian defender from the 60s into the 80s.

He had spells at Petrolul Ploeisti and Universitatea Craiova among others.

He passed away on July 30^th, 2023, aged 75.

 

Jorge Carlos Alberto Dominguez

Jorge Carlos Alberto Dominguez was an Argentine striker from the 70s into the 90s.

He had spells at Boca Juniors and OGC Nice among others.

He earned 3 caps in 1984.

He passed away on July 30^th, 2023, aged 64.

 

Photo From: Panini France 85-86

(Jorge Carlos Alberto Dominguez)

 

Anthony James Brien

Anthony James Brien was a Republic of Ireland defender from the 80s and 90s.

He had spells at Chesterfield and Hull City among others.

He passed away on August 1^st, 2023, aged 54.

 

Nermin Crnkic

Nermin Crnkic was a Bosnian Footballer from the 2010s to present.

He had spells at Jablonec and Sarajevo among others.

He passed away on August 5^th, 2023, aged just 30 from a heart attack.

 

Veniamin Anatolyevich Mandrykin

Veniamin Anatolyevich Mandrykin was a Russian goalkeeper from the 90s into 2010.

He had spells at Alania Vladikavkaz and CSKA Moscow among others.

He earned 2 caps in 2003.

He passed away on August 6^th, 2023, aged just 41.

 

John William Coddington

John William Coddington was an English Footballer from the 50s into the 70s.

He had spells at Huddersfield Town and Blackburn Rovers among others.

His death was announced on August 9^th, 2023, aged 85.

 

Alec Jackson

Alec Jackson was an English Footballer from the 50s and 60s.

He had spells at West Bromwich Albion, Birmingham City and Walsall.

He passed away on August 10^th, 2023, aged 86.

 

John Brown Caven

John Brown Caven was a Scottish Footballer from the 50s and 60s.

He had spells at Airdrie and Greenock Morton among others.

His death was announced on August 13^th, 2023, aged 86.

 

Brian Victor Snowdon

Brian Victor Snowdon was an English Footballer from the 50s into the 70s.

He had spells at Portsmouth and Millwall among others.

His death was announced on August 14^th, 2023, aged 88.

 

Mohammed Habib

Mohammed Habib was an Indian striker from the 60s into the 80s.

He had spells at East Bengal and Mohammedan SC among others.

He earned caps between 1965 and 1975.

He passed away on August 15^th, 2023, aged 74.

 

 

Edgar Ceferino Marin Levi

Edgar Ceferino Marin Levi was a Costa Rican striker from the 60s and 70s.

He had spells at Saprissa, Oakland Clippers and Kansas City Spurs.

He earned 32 caps between 1963 and 1976.

He passed away on August 16^th, 2023, aged 80.

 

 

Miroslav Boskovic

Miroslav Boskovic was a Serbian defender from the 60s and 70s.

He had spells at Hajduk Split and Angers among others.

He earned 6 caps between 1968 and 1972.

He passed away on August 17^th, 2023, aged 76.

 

Photo From: Fudbalska 1.Liga, Nopgometna, 1971/82

(Miroslav Boskovic)

 

 

Carlo Mazzone

Carlo Mazzone was an Italian defender from the 50s and 60s.

He had spells at Roma and Ascoli among others.

He is better known for his long career as a Manager for the likes of Roma, Ascoli, Brescia and Bologna amongst others.

He passed away on August 19^th, 2023, aged 86.

 

Photo From: Calcio 2000, Issue 10, August 1998

(Carlo Mazzone)

 

Francesco Scorsa

Francesco Scorsa was an Italian defender from the 60s into the 80s.

He had spells at Cesena and Ascoli among others.

He passed away on August 19^th, 2023, aged 76.

 

Photo From: 1981-82 Calciatori Panini

(Francesco Scorsa)

 

Lorenz Horr

Lorenz Horr was a German striker from the 60s and 70s.

He had spells at Hertha Berlin and Waldhof Mannheim among others.

He passed away on August 19^th, 2023, aged 80.

 

Photo From: ALE 1971-72 Bergmann

(Lorenz Horr)

 

Andrew George Rankin

Andrew George Rankin was an English goalkeeper from the 60s into the 80s.

He had spells at Everton, Watford and Huddersfield Town.

He passed away on August 21^st, 2023, aged 79.

 

Bobby Noble

Bobby Noble was an English defender from the 60s into 1970.

He spent his career at Manchester United.

He passed away on August 22^nd, 2023, aged 77.

 

Jorge Vicente Lecaro Coronel

Jorge Vicente Lecaro Coronel was an Ecuadorian defender from the 60s and 70s.

He had spells at Barcelona SC and Emelec.

He earned 8 caps between 1963 and 1967.

He passed away on August 23^rd, 2023, aged 87.

 

Hugh Patrick Murney

Hugh Patrick Murney was a Scottish midfielder from the 50s into 1970.

He had spells at Morton and Dumbarton among others.

He passed away on August 24^th, 2023, aged 84.

 

Kalman Gerencseri

Kalman Gerencseri was a French midfielder from the 60s and 70s.

He had spells at RC Lens and Auxerre.

His death was announced on August 24^th, 2023, aged 78.

 

 

Shahriyar Agali oglu Rahimov

Shahriyar Agali oglu Rahimov was an Azeri defender from the 2000s until 2021.

He had spells at Kapaz and Ravan Baku among others.

He earned 16 caps between 2018 and 2019.

He passed away on August 25^th, 2023, aged just 34.

 

Bertrand Marchand

Bertrand Marchand was a French defender from the 70s and 80s.

He had spells at Rennes, Montmorillon and Thouars.

He later had a career as a manager.

He passed away on August 26^th, 2023, aged 70.

 

Photo From: 78-79 Panini Football France

(Bertrand Marchand)

 

Waldemar Victorino Barreto

Waldemar Victorino Barreto was a Uruguayan striker from the 60s into the 80s.

He had spells at Nacional Montevideo and Cagliari among others.

He earned 33 caps between 1976 and 1981.

He committed suicide on August 29^th, 2023, aged 71.

 

Photo From: 1982-83 Calciatori Panini

(Waldemar Victorino Barreto)

 

Guy Calleja

Guy Calleja was a French defender from the 50s into the 70s.

He had spells at Bordeaux and Ajaccio.

He passed away on August 29^th, 2023, aged 85.

 

 

Piero Trapanelli

Piero Trapanelli was an Italian Footballer from the 40s and 50s.

He had spells at Cremonese and Pisa among others.

He passed away on August 30^th, 2023, aged 99.

 

Mohamed Al-Fayed

Mohamed Al-Fayed was an Egyptian Businessman and the former owner of English side Fulham (1997-2013).

He passed away on August 30^th, 2023, aged 94.

 

 

Jan Jongbloed

Jan Jongbloed was a Dutch goalkeeper from the late 50s into the 80s.

He had spells at DWS, FC Amsterdam, Roda JC Kerkrade and Go Ahead Eagles.

He earned 24 caps between 1962 and 1978.

He passed away on August 31^st, 2023, aged 82.

 

Photo From: World Cup 78, by Phil Soar

(Jan Jongbloed)

 

Salif Keita Traoré 

Salif Keita Traoré was a Malian striker from the 60s into 1980.

He had spells at Saint Etienne and Valencia among others.

He earned 28 caps between 1963 and 1972.

He passed away on September 2^nd, 2023, aged 76.

 

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2032, March 19, 1985

(Salif Keita Traoré)

 

Ilija Mitic 

Ilija Mitic was a Serbian-American midfielder from the 50s into the 70s.

He had spells at Partizan Belgrade and Oakland Clippers among others.

He earned a solitary cap for the United States in 1973.

He passed away on September 2^nd, 2023, aged 83.

 

Mark Pearson 

Mark Pearson was an English Footballer from the 50s into the 70s.

He had spells at Manchester United and Fulham among others.

He passed away on September 2^nd, 2023, aged 83.

 

 

Gilberto Hernandez Bultron 

Gilberto Hernandez Bultron was a Panamanian defender from the 2010s to present.

He had spells at Arabe Unido, Herrera FC and CA Independiente.

He earned 2 caps in 2023.

He was shot and killed on September 3^rd, 2023, aged just 26.

 

Frank ‘Jingles’Pereira 

Frank Pereira was a Portuguese-born South African Footballer from the 60s into the 80s.

He had spells at Vaal United and Kaizer Chiefs among others.

He passed away on September 3^rd, 2023, aged 77.

 

 

Hameur Hizem 

Hameur Hizem was a Tunisian player from the 50s and 60s and later a manager for the likes of Stade Tunisien and the Tunisian National Team among others.

He passed away on September 4^th, 2023, aged 85.

 

Violeta Mitul 

Violeta Mitul was a Moldovan defender from the 201s to present.

She had spells at Alga Tiraspol and Apulia Trani among others.

She earned 41 caps between 2017 and 2023.

She was killed from an accidental fall from a cliff, aged just 26.

 

 

Ian Richard Hamilton

Ian Richard Hamilton was an English midfielder from the 80s into the 2000s.

He had spells at Scunthorpe United and West Bromwich Albion among others.

His death was announced on September 6^th, 2023, aged 55.

 

Alberto Ginulfi 

Alberto Ginulfi was an Italian goalkeeper from the 60s and 70s.

He had spells at Roma and Verona among others.

He passed away on September 6^th, 2023, aged 81.

 

Photo From: 73-74 - CALCIATORI PANINI

(Alberto Ginulfi)

 

Jose Maria Aguero Araya 

Jose Maria Aguero Araya was a Costa Rican defender from the 60s and 70s.

He spent his career at Alajuelense.

He earned 3 caps (first one in 1975).

He passed away on September 6^th, 2023, aged 76.

 

Leopold Grausam 

Leopold Grausam was an Austrian striker from the 60s and 70s.

He had spells at Rapid Wien, Wacker Innsbruck, LASK and FC Grenchen.

He earned 8 caps between 1964 and 1967.

He passed away on September 8^th, 2023, aged 80.

 

 

John Harris

John Harris was an English defender from the 50s and 60.

He had spells at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Walsall.

His death was announced on September 9^th, 2023, aged 84.

 

Rainer Troppa

Rainer Troppa was an East German defender from the 70s and 80s.

He had spells at Energie Cottbus and Dynamo Berlin.

He earned 17 caps between 1981 and 1984.

His death was announced on September 9^th, 2023, aged 65.

 

Photo From: Fußball-Oberliga 1980-81

(Rainer Troppa)

 

Olav Boksasp

Olav Boksasp was a Norwegian Sports official from the 90s onwards.

He passed away on September 9^th, 2023, aged 65.

 

Hernan Carrasco Vivanco 

Hernan Carrasco Vivanco was a Chilean Manager from the 60s into the 2000s.

He had spells at Colo Colo and El Salvador National Team among others.

He passed away on September 10^th, 2023, aged 100.

 

Colin Ayre 

Colin Ayre was an English Footballer from the 70s and 80.

He had spells at Telstar and Torquay United among others.

He passed away on September 10^th, 2023, aged 67.

 

Dominique Colonna 

Dominique Colonna was a French goalkeeper from the 40s into the 60s.

He had spells at Montpellier, Stade Français, OGC Nice and Stade Reims.

He earned 13 caps between 1957 and 1961.

He passed away on September 12^th, 2023, aged 95.

 

Bjarni Felixson 

Bjarni Felixson was an Icelandic defender from the 50s and 60s.

He represented KR Reykjavik at club level.

He earned 6 caps between 1962 and 1964.

He passed away on September 14^th, 2023, aged 86.

 

Burhan Sargun 

Burhan Sargun was a Turkish midfielder from the 50s and 60s.

He represented Fenerbahce at club level.

He earned 8 caps for his nation.

He passed away on September 15^th, 2023, aged 94.

 

Paulo Anchieta Goulart Filho 

Paulo Anchieta Goulart Filho was a Brazilian goalkeeper from the 70s and 80s.

He had spells at Fluminense and Olaria among others.

He passed away on September 15^th, 2023, aged 68.

 

 

Colin Victor Murphy 

Colin Victor Murphy was an English Semi-Professional Footballer from the 1970s.

He is remembered for his managerial career with the likes of Derby County and Stockport County among others.

He passed away on September 16^th, 2023, aged 73.

 

Arild Hetleoen 

Arild Hetleoen was a Norwegian defender from the 60s and 70s.

He had spells at Brann and Bodo Glimt.

He earned 4 caps between 1970 and 1971.

He passed away on September 16^th, 2023, aged 80.

 

 

 

Ronald McKinnon 

Ronald McKinnon was a Scottish defender from the 60s and 70s.

He had spells at Rangers Glasgow and Durban United.

He earned 28 caps between 1965 and 1971.

He passed away on September 17^th, 2023, aged 83.

 

Arthur Longbottom 

Arthur Longbottom was an English Footballer from the 50s and 60s.

He had spells at Queens Park rangers and Port Vale among others.

He passed away on September 17^th, 2023, aged 90.

 

Mario Peres Ulibarri, Marinho Peres 

Mario Peres Ulibarri, Marinho Peres was a Brazilian defender from the 60s into the 80s.

He had spells at santos and Portuguesa among others.

He earned 15 caps between 1972 and 1974.

He passed away on September 18^th, 2023, aged 76.

 

Photo From: World Soccer, April 1976

(Mario Peres Ulibarri, Marinho Peres)

 

Egil Flemming Johansen 

Egil Flemming Johansen was a Norwegian midfielder from the 70s into the 90s.

He had spells at Boler IF, Valerenga, Beveren and Frigg among others.

He earned 12 caps between 1984 and 1987.

He passed away on September 19^th, 2023, aged 61.

 

Severino Lojodice 

Severino Lojodice was an Italian midfielder from the 50s and 60s.

He had spells at AS Roma and Juventus among others.

He passed away on September 19^th, 2023, aged 89.

 

Serhiy Hennadiyovych Bashkyrov 

Serhiy Hennadiyovych Bashkyrov was a Ukrainian midfielder from the 70s into the 90s.

He had spells at Stal Cheboksary and Iskra Smolensk among others.

He passed away on September 19^th, 2023, aged 64.

 

Slobodan Cendic 

Slobodan Cendic was a Serbian Manager from the 70s into the 90s.

He managed many clubs in Germany such as Schalke 04 and Hannover among others.

He passed away on September 19^th, 2023, aged 85.

 

Camille Dimmer

Camille Dimmer was a Luxembourg forward from the 50s and 60s.

He had spells at Claravallis, Anderlecht, R. Crossing Club Molenbeek and Red Boys Differdange.

He earned 19 caps between 1957 and 1964.

His death was announced on September 20^th, 2023, aged 84.

 

Odilon Polleunis

Odilon Polleunis was a Belgian striker from the 60s and 70s.

He had spells at Sint-Truiden, RWD Molenbeek and Tongeren.

He earned 22 caps between 1968 and 1975.

He passed away on September 20^th, 2023, aged 80.

 

Photo From: Belgium Panini 1974/75

(Odilon Polleunis)

 

Maddy Cusack

Maddy Cusack was an English midfielder from the 2010s until present.

She had spells at Aston Vill and Sheffield United among others.

She represented England at U-19 level.

She passed away on September 20^th, 2023, aged just 27.

 

Boris Petyrovich Starukhin

Boris Petyrovich Starukhin was a Russian defender from the 60s into the 80s.

He had spells at Zvezda Perm and Neftyanik Surgul among others.

He passed away on September 20^th, 2023, aged 73.

 

 

Yoel Alroy

Yoel Alroy was an Israeli striker from the 40s into 1960.

He spent his career at Maccabi Netanya.

He was later a Politician.

He passed away on September 21^st, 2023, aged 93.

 

Jose Lemos Rodriguez

Jose Lemos Rodriguez was a Spanish defender from the 70s into the 90s.

He had spells at Celta Vigo and Real Valladolid.

He passed away on September 21^st, 2023, aged 61.

 

 

Photo From: Don Balon-Extra Liga 9192

(Jose Lemos Rodriguez)

 

 

Robin Gladwin

Robin Gladwin was an English defender from the 60s into 1970.

He had spells at Norwich City and Oxford United among others.

His death was announced on September 21^st, 2023, aged 83.

 

Sharar Haidar

Sharar Haidar Mohammad Al-Hadithi was an Iraqi Footballer from the 80s and 90s.

He represented Iraq at International level between 1989 and 1992.

He passed away on September 22^nd, 2023, aged 52.

 

Giovanni Lodetti

Giovanni Lodetti was an Italian midfielder from the 60s and 70s.

He had spells at AC Milan, Sampdoria, Foggia and Novara.

He earned 17 caps between 1964 and 1968.

He passed away on September 22^nd, 2023, aged 81.

 

Photo From: 64-65 - CALCIATORI PANINI

(Giovanni Lodetti)

 

Americo Ferreira Lopes

Americo Ferreira Lopes was a Portuguese goalkeeper from the 50s and 60s.

He had spells at Porto and Boavista.

He earned 15 caps between 1964 and 1968.

He passed away on September 22^nd, 2023, aged 90.

 

Bernardino Fabbian

Bernardino Fabbian was an Italian midfielder from the 70s and 80s

He had spells at Internazionale Milano and Foggia among others

He passed away on September 22^nd, 2023, aged 73.

 

Photo From: 71-72 - CALCIATORI PANINI

(Bernardino Fabbian)

 

 

Osman Mustafa Mema

Osman Mustafa Mema was an Alabanian midfielder from the 50s into the 70s.

He had spells at 17 Nentori and Partizani.

His death was announced on September 25^th, 2023, aged 84.

 

Gyorgy Kottan

Gyorgy Kottan was a Hungarian midfielder from the 60s and 70s.

He had spells at MTK Budapest, VOEST Linz, Bayer Uerdingen and Los Angeles Aztecs.

He passed away on September 25^th, 2023, aged 76.

 

 

Henry Poole

Henry Poole was an English Footballer from the 50s and 60s.

He had spells at Port Vale and Sandbach Ramblers.

His death was announced on September 26^th, 2023, aged 88.

 

David Thomas Hughes

David Thomas Hughes was an English midfielder from the 70s and 80s.

He had spells at Aston Villa, Lincoln City, Scunthorpe United and Worcester City.

His death was announced on September 26^th, 2023, aged 65.

 

 

James Forrest

James Forrest was a Scottish striker from the 60s and 70s.

He had spells at Rangers Glasgow and Aberdeen among others.

He earned 5 caps between 1965 and 1971.

He passed away on September 27^th, 2023, aged 79.

 

Volodymyr Koman

Volodymyr Koman was a Ukrainian midfielder from the 80s and 90s.

He had spells at Zakarpattia Uzhhorod and Bukovyna Chernivtsi among others.

He passed away on September 27^th, 2023, aged 59.

 

Erick Stalin Morillo Calderon

Erick Stalin Morillo Calderon was a Peruvian defender from the 2010s to present.

He had spells at Cesar Vallejo and Cantolao.

He was killed in a traffic accident on September 30^th, 2023, aged just 23.

 

Galip Haktanir

Galip Haktanir was a Turkish defender from the 40s and 50s.

He represented Turkey in the 1948 Olympics.

He earned 5 caps between 1948 and 1950.

He passed away on September 30^th, 2023, aged 102.