비스와 크라쿠프

Profile

A commanding figure at the heart of the Poland defence in UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying, Mariusz Jop is a steely, uncompromising centre-back who shares many of the attributes of his veteran partner Jacek Bąk. A Polish champion with Wisła Kraków, he has spent the past four years in Russia with FC Moskva.

Promoted and relegated with hometown club KSZO Ostrowiec before age of 20, he moved to Wisła Kraków in 1999.

Had successful loan spell at RTS Widzew Łódź before making the grade with the White Star and winning back-to-back titles in 2003 and 2004.

Also prominent in Polish Cup wins of 2002 and 2003, playing every minute of both two-legged finals, taking trophy at expense of KS Amica Wronki (8-2 on aggregate) and Wisła Płock (3-1 overall) respectively.

Broke into national team at end of 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying but lost his place at finals after opening defeat by Ecuador (0-2).

Scarcely used by Moskva in 2007 but did play in Russian Cup final defeat by FC Lokomotiv Moskva (0-1); more active so far in 2008.

Did you know?

With his winning goal for Moskva against FC Shinnik Yaroslavl on 21 July 2004, Jop became the first Polish player to score in the Russian Premier-Liga.