As Poland celebrated their second consecutive win in the international break, defeating Malta 2:0 on Monday, the nation’s attention was drawn to the surprising absence of Robert Lewandowski, the team’s star player and captain. The 36-year-old striker, who has been struggling with health issues, was benched for the majority of the match, sparking controversy and debate among football enthusiasts and media outlets alike.
Spanish Media Reacts
Leading Spanish sports daily, Marca, highlighted Lewandowski’s absence, stating that the Polish team managed to excel despite the lack of their captain on the pitch. „The Poles performed magnificently, even without their captain. Two goals from Świderski, who replaced the FC Barcelona player, ensured victory for Michał Probierz’s team,” the publication reported. The article went on to suggest that the Polish team didn’t need their star player, implying that Lewandowski’s absence was not felt.
Other Spanish media outlets, such as Mundo Deportivo, speculated about Lewandowski’s fitness, suggesting that he might be saving himself for the upcoming match against Osasuna. „Due to a thigh injury, he appeared on the pitch as a reserve. He considered returning to Barcelona after the Lithuania match to avoid unnecessary risk at this stage of the season, but ultimately decided to stay with the team,” the publication stated.
Lewandowski’s Future Uncertain
The question on everyone’s mind is whether Lewandowski will feature in the starting lineup against Osasuna. Mundo Deportivo pondered whether the 36-year-old should take a break to avoid exacerbating the injury. „It would be a good idea for him to rest and recover,” the publication opined.
Świderski Shines
Meanwhile, attention was also drawn to Karol Świderski, the Polish striker who replaced Lewandowski and scored two crucial goals. „Świderski replaced Lewandowski, and Poland is now the leader of Group G,” Marca reported. „The second consecutive win thanks to the double from the Panathinaikos sniper,” the publication concluded.
Post-Match Reactions
After the final whistle, Polish captain Lewandowski took a subtle jab at coach Michał Probierz, stating, „We’ve executed our plan for Lithuania and Malta, but I won’t be sugarcoating it. We have a lot of work ahead of us.”
Current Standings
Poland currently leads Group G with six points and a 3:0 goal difference. Following the Monday match, Lithuania’s draw against Finland ensured that Poland maintains a two-point lead over Finland. The next match against Finland is scheduled for June 10th.
As Poland continues its journey in the international break, the nation’s attention remains fixed on Lewandowski’s fitness and the team’s chances of advancing in the competition. One thing is certain – the Polish team is on a roll, and their next matches will be closely watched by fans around the world.
