Kuszczak defiant despite blunder

By Martin Harasimowicz

Kuszczak will now face pressure from Celtic's Boruc

Tomasz Kuszczak has vowed to retain his status as Poland's first-choice keeper, despite conceding a bizarre goal from his opposite number on Tuesday.

Kuszczak, 24, was unable to prevent a long punt from Colombia's Luis Enrique Martinez bouncing over his head.

The 63rd-minute goal gave Colombia a 2-1 win over Poland in Chorzow.

"I cannot imagine a more stupid mistake but I won't give up and want to fight for the number one shirt in the World Cup," said the West Brom star.

He added: "It was the goal of the year. It was just a bad decision. I thought the ball would go over the bar - so I have misjudged it.

"I didn't want to catch the ball because I was afraid there would be a corner.

I know I will face enormous criticism now, but I have to live with it Tomasz Kuszczak

"Unfortunately, it has ended up with a huge blunder. I can admit I've played the main role in our team's loss. It was a big and important lesson for me."

After the goal, the home crowd started chanting "Dudek, Dudek" in reference to Liverpool keeper Jerzy Dudek, who was left out of Poland's World Cup squad.

Kuszczak will now face pressure for his place from his understudy, Celtic's Artur Boruc.

"I know I will face enormous criticism now but I have to live with it," stated Kuszczak.

"Now I have to rebuild my confidence and concentrate on training."