Poland may blood youth in final group game

BARSINGHAUSEN, Germany, June 17 (Reuters) Poland could go for youth in their final Group A game with Costa Rica despite an improved performance in Wednesday's defeat by Germany.

''Some changes in personnel will probably be made,'' assistant coach Maciej Skorza told reporters today. ''It would be good to give some of the younger players experience of the World Cup.

''The team which played Germany certainly deserves to be recognised, they played with real commitment. But Costa Rica is a different team and it is possible we will pick different players to execute different tactics.'' After defeats by Germany and Ecuador, Poland and Costa Rica will play purely for pride in Hanover on Tuesday.

Skorza said defender Bartosz Bosacki was doubtful after being injured in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat by Germany.

He returned to light training today but could make way for Mariusz Jop, who missed the German game through illness.

In South Korea and Japan four years ago, then coach Jerzy Engel made seven changes for the last game against United States and it paid off as the Poles won 3-1.

This time, the match with Costa Rica may prove decisive for the future of coach Pawel Janas.

Poland's football association will decide in July whether to renew his contract.

Midfielder Arkadiusz Radomski said: ''The tactics for the German game were defensive, with the aim being to break quickly. Against Costa Rica we should play more offensively.

''We are not happy with the way the tournament has gone but the mood in the camp is OK. The most important thing now is to show the fans, who have supported us so well, this team can really play football.'' REUTERS PDS PM2003