Image via @LaczyNasPilka on Twitter
Poland edged out Wales in a close game in Cardiff, with Karol Świderski the matchwinner. The goal came in the 57th minute, after Jakub Kiwior strode forward and fired a bouncing ball at Robert Lewandowski, who deftly turned the ball around the corner and into the path of Świderski to fire low through the legs of Wayne Hennessey.
It was a game of many stoppages, and the referee was only too happy to assist with the stop-start nature of the tie. The first major opportunity of the game came as Piotr Zieliński played Szymon Żurkowski through on goal, but the ball caught under Żurkowski’s feet on what was his 25th birthday. The first half also saw Wales get their best chances, including a deflected strike which narrowly missed the post, and some tremendous goalkeeping from Wojciech Szczęsny.
The second half started much like the first, until the goal arrived. Following that, Szczęsny was required to make more great saves, and Poland mostly tried to play on the counter. Piątek, Szymański and Gummy were all brought on as Poland hung on to take the three points and stay in League A. There were plenty of late scares, particularly when Gareth Bale hit the bar with a header, but the defence held firm for the most part.
There were quite a few things to be optimistic about for a change, which was nice. Szczęsny, Kiwior and Zieliński all had very good performances, and Bartosz Bereszyński showed he could be a good back-up for Matty Cash at right wing-back. Nicola Zalewski impressed yet again and Świderski continued his impressive goalscoring record for the national team. Grzegorz Krychowiak and Kamil Glik had a few dodgy moments, but Glik in particular looked a lot better than he did against Holland, and Lewandowski had a fairly quiet night but still in effect made the goal with that delightful touch.
Personally, I thought Jan Bednarek and Żurkowski weren’t anything special, but Żurkowski at least tried things even if they didn’t come off and Bednarek was solid enough to stop the threats down his side.
The most important lesson we can take from this match ahead of the World Cup is that Poland have to play with a partner up top for Lewandowski. Two strikers, with Zieliński or Szymański in the 10 role would be the best way Poland could cause problems for defences. Be it Milik, Piątek or Świderski, having that partner takes attention away from Lewy and gives him someone he can provide for as well as provide for him.
The midfield will be a topic of discussion again, as Krychowiak and Żurkowski aren’t at the level of Jakub Moder and it really shows. Żurkowski isn’t getting regular game time at Fiorentina, but he is at least better than Karol Linetty, and Krychowiak is always going to be criticised at this point, even though he wasn’t terrible. Szymański was brought on although it seemed a strange decision as Poland were having to defend deep at that stage of the game. In my opinion, Krychowiak will be starting at the World Cup simply because he is the most senior available midfielder, and Michniewicz will want him in that position unless Krystian Bielik gets a good run of games and some fitness.
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