On Friday, the long expected Euro 2024 is starting in Germany. Poland’s national team played two friendly matches in preparation for the tournament.
Last Friday, the Poles defeated Ukraine with ease, 3-1. However, one of the main things that will be remembered from this match is the injury suffered by Arkadiusz Milik after just 5 minutes on the pitch. As a result, Milik won’t be able to perform at the Euro.
On Monday night, the White Eagles were facing Turkey. Karol Świderski scored in the 12th minute, but got injured while celebrating. The momentum swung back towards Turkey after Świderski’s departure, and the visitors came inches away from drawing level when Hakan Çalhanoğlu slipped behind the Polish defence and fired a low shot just wide of the post.
Things worsened for the White and Reds shortly after the half-hour mark when another injury, this time to Poland’s captain Robert Lewandowski, who had to be substituted, leaving a whole nation with doubts over their strikers heading into the tournament.
Turkey continued to look threatening after the restart, particularly through their half-time substitute Barış Alper Yılmaz, who should have scored after weaving past two defenders only to be denied by a superb save from Wojciech Szczęsny.
However, Poland, unbeaten in their last nine home games, grew into the second half and almost doubled their advantage when Kacper Urbański forced Mert Günok into a fantastic save. Promising Real Madrid youngster Arda Güler also looked dangerous for Turkey in the second half, testing Szczęsny several times from range.
The visitors’ pressure finally paid off with 10 minutes left to play, as Yılmaz redeemed himself for the earlier miss with a fine strike that left Szczęsny with no chance.
However, Poland secured their 12th victory over Turkey in their 18 head-to-head meetings thanks to a Nicola Zalewski wonder goal. The winger danced past two Turkish defenders and found the bottom corner to win the game 2-1 in stoppage time.
Poland and Lewandowski now have until Sunday to recover before facing the Netherlands in their opening game at the Euro.
Image: X (@LaczyNasPilka)
Author: Sébastien Meuwissen
