Pogoń Szczecin has emerged victorious against Piast Gliwice, defeating them 2-0 after extra time to progress to the semifinals of the Polish Cup. The match, held on February 28, 2023, at the Pogoń stadium, witnessed the home team showcasing determination and resilience.
Leading up to the quarterfinals, Pogoń was riding high on confidence after thrashing Widzew Łódź 4-0, whereas Piast Gliwice had drawn with Stal Mielec 2-2. Fans filled the stadium, eager to see their team overcome the obstacle of Piast, but early signs pointed to a tightly contested match.
From the kick-off, both teams appeared to be cautiously probing one another, leading to more misses than hits during the first half. Jakub Czerwiński and Maciej Rosołek from Piast had decent scoring opportunities but could not turn them to goals. Czerwiński's header went directly to Pogoń's keeper Valentin Cojocaru, and Rosołek completely missed the ball with his strike.
At the other end, Kamil Grosicki tried to ignite Pogoń’s offense, managing to get past his marker, but his shot was thwarted by Piast goalkeeper Karol Szymański, who was quick to respond to the challenge. It was clear both teams were testing each other’s defensive strengths without finding clear breakthroughs, leading to the first half ending without any goals.
Entering the second half, the intensity began to rise as both sides sought to break the deadlock. The game became more dynamic, with both teams generating additional scoring opportunities. Cojocaru was called to action multiple times as Piast gained momentum, showcasing his skills with remarkable saves, particularly against Erik Jirka's powerful shot.
Szymański also exhibited impressive goalkeeping for Piast, managing to block attempts from Pogoń, including another strike from Grosicki. Yet as the minutes ticked down, neither side could find the net, necessitating extra time to determine which team would proceed to the semifinals.
Extra time brought renewed energy as players pushed their limits. It was during the 106th minute when the match took its decisive turn. Efthymis Koulouris, the top scorer for Pogoń and renowned for his skill, executed a stunning backheel goal, sending the home crowd erupting with joy and excitement. This spectacular finish was described by sports commentators as "a skorpion mixed with some spider" showcasing the player's inventiveness on the field.
Despite their best efforts, Piast struggled to respond effectively after going behind. Pogoń maintained control, and just as the clock approached the final whistle, Grosicki secured the victory with another goal from a sharp angle, putting his name on the scoreboard at 120+3 minutes. His strike added to the celebration of the fans and ensured Pogoń's advancement to the semifinals of the Polish Cup.
With this impressive win, Pogoń Szczecin not only reminded everyone of their aspirations for the cup but also set up their challenging next match against Lech Poznań, truly making them contenders to keep watch on as the cup progresses. Meanwhile, Piast Gliwice will be regrouping as they shift their focus to their upcoming league matches.
Following the match, Szymański admitted to his teammates' initial strategy of applying pressure on Pogoń, stating, "I'm not surprised I had little work until halftime, as we came here to press Pogoń, not allow them situations, and I'm pleased we achieved this." This reflects the competitive nature of the encounter, highlighting the tactical battle both teams engaged in.
Pogoń's win is sure to uplift the squad’s morale as they look forward to the semifinals, with fans hopeful of seeing their team aim for the title once again.