For the first time in the 21st century, the Polish national team did not lose its first game in the World Cup. The World Cup in Qatar started with a scoreless draw against the Mexican national team. The match could have turned out differently, but Robert Lewandowski missed a penalty in the 58th minute.

“Of course I would have liked our team to win. It didn’t work out, it’s a draw. I am very happy that we have a point, because it is very important at the World Cup. Every point counts. I hope that from the shortcomings of the game, which everyone saw, our players will also learn lessons. But it wasn’t a bad match”, said Polish President Andrzej Duda in response to a question about his assessment of the Poland-Mexico match.

The President watched the first encounter of the Polish national team at the 11th Artillery Regiment in Nowa Łuka, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak together with soldiers, Border Guard and Police officers who are on duty at the Eastern border.

Zbigniew Boniek, former president of the Polish Football Association and now UEFA vice-president, gave a similar assessment of the Poles’ game. “Seemingly good, but more courage would be useful. An important point” he wrote on Twitter.

Immediately after the match, Polish national team captain Robert Lewandowski did not hide his disappointment. ‘In that penalty I decided to make a change, that was the decision I made to kick to the right side. If before the penalty everyone knew how best to kick, it would be great. Today, however, it didn’t work out”, he said.

A few dozen minutes later on Instagram he wrote: “We played smart and should have won. This makes it all the more difficult for me to accept. I apologise and thank you for all the words of support. We are fighting on for advancement.”
The Poles’ next opponent, on Saturday 26 November, will be the national team of Saudi Arabia, who sensationally beat Argentina 2:1 in their first match.

Adrian Andrzejewski