If there has been one constant in Milan Borjan’s short career, it has been qualifying his club for European competition. Unfortunately for the Serbian-born Canadian keeper, twice he has not lasted to reap the rewards of his work between the posts. On Wednesday night, Borjan’s current club, Sivasspor, got one step closer to qualifying for a Europa League playoff spot, but with plenty of work left to do.
Sivasspor were holding a solid 2-0 lead at home in the Turkish Cup semi-finals against Trabzonspor, but with an extra time foul right outside the 18-yard box, Marek Sapara delivered the perfect free kick that rocketed just off the underside of the crossbar, leaving Borjan in it’s wake. A 2-1 victory over Trabzonspor is a positive result, but an away goal will no doubt become a factor in the second leg when Sivasspor travel to Trabzon for the deciding game.
Sivasspor are a step closer to the Turkish Cup finals, and the opposite Semi-Final match-up presents a unique opportunity for Borjan to once again help a club qualify for European competition.
The winner of the Turkish Cup qualifies for a playoff spot into the Europa League, however, if the champion has already qualified for Europe through their position in the Super Lig table, then the runner up takes that spot.
Opposite of Sivasspor v. Trabzonspor is second-placed Fenerbahçe taking on ninth-placed Eskisehirspor. These two teams drew 1-1 Wednesday night, with the second leg taking place in Istanbul hosted by Fenerbahçe. If Sivasspor can get past Trabzonspor, they stand a very good chance of facing Fenerbahçe in the final and qualifying regardless of the result. Even if it is Eskisehirspor, they stand a very good chance against a side who they’ve split their two games this season with a win a piece (Sivasspor won 1-0 at home, lost 2-1 away).
For supporters of the Canadian Men’s National Team, they should be watching the second leg, which has yet to be scheduled, with keen interest. With Lars Hirschfeld likely not going to be a part of future World Cup Qualifying cycles, Borjan becomes the only National Team keeper who is competing at a high level week in week out.
His progression to the finals, potential of winning it, and getting Sivasspor to a Europa League spot would have a positive impact on his playing situation, possibly in more than one way.
With Borjan’s contract coming to an end through 2014, this accomplishment would be a huge asset in raising his profile and market value. While we have not heard many horror stories out of Turkey this season, it was only a year ago where two Canadian players, Josh Simpson and Mike Klukowski, went through difficult situations regarding the finances and payments from their respective clubs. Sivasspor could end up with an asset on their hands in Borjan and look to cash in while they can. For CMNT supporters, hopefully sending him to a domestic league with a more stable reputation.
Twice in Borjan’s career he has qualified his team to a European competition. In 2010/11 he overtook the number one spot from the Serbian U20 keeper, Branislav Danilovic, to get FK Rad into the first round of the Europa League. However, through that season and a Canadian International call-up against Greece, he caught the eye of Sivasspor and transferred before he could compete.
In March of 2012, after a poor start to his career in Turkey, Borjan was loaned out to Romanian side FC Vaslui, who were on the periphery of a Europa League spot. Not only did he help qualify them for Europe, he helped them reach second place and a Champions League spot. While he wanted to stay with Vaslui, Sivasspor called him back and he would miss out on playing against Inter Milan.
If Sivasspor can get past Trabzonspor, Borjan will once again be in a strong position to improve his club situation. Whether it be by staying with Sivasspor and gaining exposure against some good European clubs in the Europa League, or by becoming a valuable commodity Sivasspor might be tempted to sell on, he could once again be on the move.
Along with this, regardless of how far Sivasspor go, is his position with the Men’s National Team. It must be recognized as well that the upcoming year will be pivotal for Borjan moving forward and ensuring he is in a secure position with a domestic club. The 2013 Gold Cup and matches leading up to the World Cup can also serve as reinforcement to help build his reputation between the posts.
With only one keeper going into their prime playing every week in a European top flight, helping Milan Borjan stay in top form domestically should be seen as paramount for Canada through call-ups and minutes played.
With Sivasspor’s Turkish Cup Semi-Final second leg against Trabzonspor yet to be announced, that date should be circled by Canada supporters as the first step to ensuring Milan Borjan’s immediate future for both club and country is on the right track.
Highlights from Sivasspor's 2-1 win over Trabzonspor in the Turkish Cup. *Note: Sivasspor in red, Trabzonspor in blue*.
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