Lithuania 0-2 Poland: an adequate and occasionally entertaining display from the Biało-Czerwoni

Image via @LaczyNasPilka

With goals from Sebastian Szymański and Robert Lewandowski, Poland were victorious against a tough Lithuania side away in Kaunas.

The opener was scored directly from Szymański’s corner, and as much as it owed to the Lithuanian goalkeeper not dealing with the in-swinging delivery it was a ball straight into the danger zone from Poland’s attacking midfielder. 

Jakub Kamiński also raced through on goal in the first half, but he appeared to be clipped by a chasing defender as he was set to round the keeper. No penalty was given, but chances were coming for the visitors.

During the first half Poland were guilty of bad decision-making at key points, and although the statistical battle after 45 minutes was pretty even, the away side were undoubtedly the better.

Coming out in the second half, Poland seemed ready to prove that point. There was a real concerted effort to press home their advantage, and they came close several times, forcing saves or sending the ball narrowly wide.

Eventually the second goal came about again thanks to Szymański, as good work down the left from him saw him stand-up a cross at the byline which was met by a flying Robert Lewandowski from close range. 

After the second goal the match largely descended into cheap late fouls and testiness from both teams, but Poland otherwise managed the game out well and had a few half-chances of extending their lead. 

Overall it was a solid Polish performance, their first clean sheet for a few games and you would argue there was nobody below a 6 or 7/10 today, with special praise reserved for undoubted man-of-the-match Sebastian Szymański. 

Szymański has answered those of us who criticised him after Thursday’s friendly, and indeed several underwhelming performances, with the most decisive actions of the match. It was a perfect response, and at the very least ensures he keeps his starting spot going into the next international break.

Speaking of criticism, Jakub Kamiński is coming in for some in the immediate aftermath of this match. In my opinion he did not play badly at all, but some pundits and supporters clearly expected more, and this is understandable after how good he has been for club and country so far this season. 

Poland remain sitting second in the qualifying group, and they do remain somewhat in no man’s land three points behind Holland but three points ahead of Finland. If they can maintain this position then they will earn a play-off place, but there is a slim chance they still qualify directly. 

A more thoughtful review of this international break, with a look ahead to November, will be posted on this website in the coming days. For now however we can remain pleased that for what feels like the first time in forever we have a positive feeling around Poland at the end of consecutive international breaks. 

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