 Jan Tomaszewski (left) denies England at Wembley in 1973 |
Ex-Poland goalkeeper Jan Tomaszewski says Fifa must introduce video technology to football. A number of controversial incidents have rocked this year's World Cup, including England having a legitimate goal against Germany disallowed. "It's a scandal that Fifa is unwilling to introduce modern technology into the game," he told BBC Radio Shropshire. "If improvements are introduced for hockey, tennis, the majority of sports - then why not football?" He also believes the governing body needs to be overhauled, with ex-Germany captain Franz Beckenbauer at the helm. "Beckenbauer played perfectly, and organised the 2006 World Cup perfectly - and could lead the world association which needs immediate changes." Tomaszewski is famously remembered for his part in helping knock England out of the 1974 World Cup qualifiers. And referring to the England 'goal' not awarded in the game against Germany, he added: "I feel very sorry for English people and for Fabio Capello, who I respect a lot and who I used to play against. "I'm 100 per cent sure that the final score would have been different if the goal had been acknowledged. "The Germans played fantastically, but the English nation has been robbed." Before the England v Poland game in October 1973, Tomaszewski was dubbed "a clown" by Brian Clough. He went on to play an important role in their 1-1 draw against England at Wembley, which helped them qualify for the 1974 competition, leaving England at home. The Polish team went on to reach the semi-finals, losing to Germany but beating Brazil 1-0 in the third-place play-off. England's failure to qualify saw Sir Alf Ramsey - who had led England to their 1966 success - lose his job. Tomaszewski went on to win a silver medal with Poland at the 1976 Summer Olympics, and also played in the 1978 World Cup. His club career was mainly at Lodz, having been forbidden by Poland's communist government to play abroad before the age of 30, even after coming to international attention. In later years he worked for the Polish FA, but his outspoken nature contributed to his leaving the organisation. It is said that despite Clough's jibe about the Polish goalkeeper, he and Tomaszewski became friends afterwards.
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