ST. PETERSBURG: Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny doesn’t have much luck in his opening game at European Championships.
Sent off in 2012. Injured in 2016. Now an own-goal at Euro 2020.
The Juventus player became the first goalkeeper to score an own-goal at the tournament in Poland’s 2-1 loss to Slovakia on Monday.
Not that he could do much about it.
Szczesny had already committed himself to a dive in an attempt to save a shot from Slovakia winger Robert Mak in the 18th minute when the ball rebounded off his near post, onto his outstretched arm as he lay on the ground, and back into the net.
He was also left helpless for Slovakia’s winner by Milan Skriniar, barely moving as the center back hit a fierce, low shot into the corner in the 69th minute.
Szczesny has established himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in Europe, his reputation having soared since joining Juventus from Arsenal in 2017. Poland has long been well-stocked with keepers, with Lukasz Fabianski also a solid option, but Szczesny is the regular No. 1.
Major tournaments are not his friend, though.
In 2012, he was shown a red card in the opening game of a European Championship co-hosted by Poland, punished for a professional foul on Greece player Dimitris Salpingidis in the second half.
In 2016, and again in Poland’s opening match, Szczesny damaged a thigh muscle against Northern Ireland and wound up missing the rest of the tournament.
The pain isn’t just restricted to the European Championship.
In Poland’s opening match of the 2018 World Cup, Szczesny gifted M’Baye Niang a goal for Senegal, which went on to win 2-1.
Szczesny’s own-goal continues his run of bad luck at Euros
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Szczesny’s own-goal continues his run of bad luck at Euros
- Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny sent off in 2012, injured in 2016, now an own-goal at Euro 2020
- He was also left helpless for Slovakia's winner by Milan Skriniar
Dubai Basketball launches ‘Basket for Basket’ Ramadan initiative
- Project with Dubai Sports Council and UAE Food Bank takes place at EuroLeague match on Thursday
DUBAI: Dubai Basketball has announced a special Ramadan initiative for its upcoming EuroLeague home fixture against LDLC ASVEL on Thursday, Feb. 26.
In the spirit of giving that defines the holy month, the team will donate one meal for every point scored by the home team during the game. In addition, every ticket purchased for the game will equal one meal donated to families in need across the UAE.
Delivered in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council and the UAE Food Bank, the initiative reflects Dubai Basketball’s commitment to creating meaningful social impact beyond the court, the team stated in a release on Tuesday.
As Dubai’s first professional sports franchise competing in European competitions, the team wants to be a competitive force internationally and community-driven institution.
Dejan Kamenjasevic, CEO of Dubai Basketball, highlighted the importance of the initiative. “Ramadan is a time of reflection, unity and generosity.
“As a team that proudly represents Dubai on an international stage, we believe our responsibility goes far beyond basketball. This city has given us an incredible platform, support system and belief, and it is our duty to give back in a way that reflects the values of the nation.”
“Through this initiative, every point scored, and every ticket purchased becomes something bigger than the game.
“Our ambition is not only to compete at the highest level in Europe but also to build a team that contributes to the community and supports the people who make the Dubai dream possible.”
