Jan Tomaszewski has turned 75 today. After Kazimierz Górski appointed him to the Polish national team, the legendary goalkeeper began his journey in white and red. He twice represented Poland in the World Championships (1974 – 3rd place, 1978) and in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal (silver medal).
“I feel younger! Although there is a bit of magic in all these stories because you can’t cheat your date of birth. On January 9, I turn 75, that’s a fact. You have to take care of yourself, and don’t count on being a unique person resistant to the passing of time.”
said Tomaszewski for Onet.pl
Tomaszewski is best remembered by some for his performance for the Poland national team against England, in a qualifying match for the 1974 World Cup, which England needed to win.
He had been labeled “a clown” by Brian Clough before the match (the two men however became quite friendly in later years), but had the last laugh as he turned in a man-of-the-match performance repeatedly denying England’s attackers; the only goal he conceded being an equalizing penalty from Allan Clarke.
Earlier, Jan Domarski had scored for the Poles. Poland drew the game 1–1 and qualified for the finals in West Germany at the expense of England.