Historical profile
Career overview
Andrzej Szarmach (Polish pronunciation: [ˈandʐɛj ˈʂarmax]; born 3 October 1950) is a Polish former professional footballer who played as a striker. Prior to the 1974 FIFA World Cup, he was virtually unknown. He played in the Poland national team during its "golden age" in the 1970s. With Grzegorz Lato at his right, Robert Gadocha at his left, and Kazimierz Deyna in support, Szarmach profited from the absence of Włodzimierz Lubański to lead the Polish attack, the best at 1974 World Cup, with sixteen goals. While Lato finished first in the Cup in goals with seven, Szarmach, with five goals, also marked the competition with his imprint. He confirmed his status two years later at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, winning the silver medal and the title of best player of the tournament, with nine goals. Jowled and moustached, the Polish attacker had a Gallic quality and thus easily fit in at AJ A