Poland exit Euro 2020
Poland saw their involvement at Euro 2020 curtailed at the group stage following Wednesday night’s dramatic 3-2 loss to Sweden in Group E.
Needing a win to reach the Last 16, Paolo Sousa’s side couldn’t build on their draw with Spain last time out despite a valiant effort, falling to a second defeat in three matches.
With Jan Bednarek named in the starting eleven once again, there was little the defender could do to stop Emil Forsberg pouncing after just 82 seconds.
Facing an uphill battle, the Pole’s recovered from their early setback to produce the best chances of the half, as talismanic striker Robert Lewandowski clattered the crossbar twice in quick succession, to no avail.
Initially keeping up the intensity after the restart and hinting at an equaliser, it was Sweden, in fact, who doubled their advantage just before the hour-mark as Forsberg grabbed his second of the night.
Having failed to convert in the first half, Lewandowski delivered in timely fashion by reducing the deficit just two minutes later, teeing up a tense final half-an-hour.
Throwing caution to the wind, Lewandowski secured his brace with a little over five minutes remaining, but with numbers committed forward Viktor Claesson broke Polish hearts by restoring Sweden’s slender advantage deep into stoppage time.
Already qualified heading into the night’s clash, the victory for Sweden was enough for them to claim top spot in Group D, ahead of 2012 champions Spain.
