15 November, Kathmandu. Robert Lewandowski left the sphere with a giant smile on his face, kissing the followers and hugging his teammates.
His crew misplaced 2-0 to Argentina within the essential match of the World Cup.
However, when Saudi Arabia misplaced to Mexico 2-1, after Saleh Aldawsari scored for Saudi Arabia within the final minute, Poland reached the knockout stage of the World Cup regardless of shedding to Argentina.
That late Saudi purpose helped Poland end runners-up in Group C. Although Mexico had the identical variety of factors, Poland was forward on purpose distinction and confirmed a gathering with France within the final 16.
“You can name this comfortable defeat ‘pleasure of defeat’,” mentioned Lewandowski, who couldn’t hit a single shot within the sport, “I’m not happy with the way in which we performed.” Of course not. We can’t be proud of the sport.’
Argentina fully dominated Poland within the match. In which FIFA participant of the yr Lewandowski didn’t have any abilities.
In the match, Argentina had 24 makes an attempt at purpose, 13 pictures had been on track. Poland tried for 3 objectives however none had been on track.
“We did not wish to take any dangers and, you already know, we acquired our consequence as a result of we acquired to the subsequent spherical,” Lewandowski mentioned with a smile. “Even if we lose, we may be comfortable.”
Polish coach Czeslaw Michniewicz mentioned his crew’s lack of assault was not Lewandowski’s fault.
“I’m not attacking anybody from the crew, however we did not assist him rating,” Michniewicz mentioned, “If Messi (Lionel) had performed for us and Robert had performed for Argentina, he would have scored 5 objectives. Robert wanted an help for the purpose. The sport was performed solely in our half. There had been many gamers masking him.’
Poland’s goalkeeper Wojciech Szejny made save within the match with Messi’s penalty within the first half. Similarly, Karol Swederski cleared from the purpose line. Because of this, Poland was spared a large defeat.
However, the Polish gamers celebrated one another by throwing water bottles on the sphere as if they’d received. It was an anxious wait.
Poland’s match was over however Mexico was main 2-0 over Saudi Arabia. Mexico was searching for a 3rd purpose. As a consequence, Poland may go away.
If Mexico received 2-0, each Poland and Mexico would have 4 factors. Both scored two objectives and conceded two objectives. Poland took the lead solely as a result of they obtained fewer yellow playing cards than Mexican gamers.
Polish defender Bartosz Bereszinski coated his face. He couldn’t bear the stress. Then Aldawsari scored for Saudi Arabia and ended Mexico’s hopes.
“I believe it is the primary time I’ve felt you can be comfortable after a loss,” Lewandowski mentioned.
The Poland star will now give attention to Sunday’s final 16 match towards France.
“They are contenders to win the World Cup and we have now nothing to lose,” mentioned Lewandowski concerning the upcoming sport, “We know what sort of gamers they’ve however we have now to take pleasure in it and do our greatest.” We must combat. … France will probably be a giant problem and we have now to play higher than at the moment.’