Poland National Football Team Wins World Cup Qualifier Despite Underwhelming Performance

The Poland national football team began its journey in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers with a narrow 1-0 victory over Lithuania on March 21, 2025, at PGE Narodowy in Warsaw. The match, while securing three crucial points, left fans and analysts uncertain about the team's future prospects due to a lackluster performance.

Squad Challenges and Tactical Decisions

In the lead-up to the match, Poland's head coach, Michał Probierz, faced multiple challenges, primarily due to injuries to key players. Notable absences included midfielder Piotr Zieliński and winger Nicola Zalewski, while defender Paweł Dawidowicz was also ruled out after arriving in Warsaw but deemed unfit for play.

Coach Probierz had teased potential surprises in his squad choices, and this proved true as he opted for less conventional selections. Goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski started in goal, supported by a defensive lineup featuring Kamil Piątkowski, Jan Bednarek, and Jakub Kiwior. The midfield comprised Jakub Moder, Jakub Piotrowski, and Sebastian Szymański, with the ever-reliable Robert Lewandowski teaming up with Karol Świderski in the attack.

Match Overview

The match commenced at 20:45, but Poland struggled to find their rhythm right from the start. The first half was particularly disappointing, as the home team failed to generate significant offensive plays, prompting boos from the fans in attendance. Contrarily, Lithuania, ranked 142nd in the world, demonstrated more cohesion and composure, raising questions about Poland's tactical approach.

As the second half unfolded, Poland still showed little sign of improvement in their play. However, goalkeeper Skorupski emerged as a hero, showcasing his skills with a crucial save in the 70th minute. He denied a close-range effort from Lithuania’s Giedrius Matulevičius, a moment that could have drastically changed the outcome of the match.

Breakthrough Goal and Injury Setback

Poland's persistence finally paid off in the 81st minute when Lewandowski capitalized on a deflected ball from Lithuania’s Artemijus Tutyskinas. With precision, he directed the ball into the net, sparking celebrations amongst fans. However, the joy was short-lived, as Lewandowski sustained an injury during the goal-scoring action and had to leave the field immediately afterward.

Despite the victory, the performance drew swift criticism. Midfielder Jakub Moder openly acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, stating, “The style was not what we wanted. There were many areas in need of improvement. The important thing is the three points.”

Looking Ahead

In his post-match reflections, Coach Probierz recognized the obstacles posed by player absences but stressed the need for resilience. He highlighted the importance of players like Moder and Szymański taking on greater responsibilities in upcoming matches.

As the team prepares for their next qualifier against Malta on March 24, concerns linger regarding the depth of the squad and the impact of emerging players such as Jakub Piotrowski and Matty Cash, who are expected to step up in the absence of regular starters.

In conclusion, while Poland secured a vital win to start their World Cup qualification campaign, the team's subpar performance raises significant questions about their readiness for more challenging encounters ahead. As the Polish football community watches closely, the evolution of the squad in the coming weeks will be crucial.