Poland’s national football team will be hoping to bounce back strongly when they face Malta on March 24, 2025, in a crucial World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium in Warsaw. This match comes on the heels of a disappointing 1:0 victory over Lithuania, which has sparked a wave of criticism against the team’s performance under coach Michał Probierz.
Despite earning the three points from their opening match, Poland’s gameplay left much to be desired. They scraped a win against Lithuania, thanks largely to a late goal that came via a deflection. Critiques have been directed at the Polish squad, particularly regarding their bland style of play, a sentiment echoed by both fans and pundits alike.
Highlighted in post-match analysis was the role of goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski, who received praise for a standout performance that kept Poland in the game. His efforts prevented what could have been a more severe loss, averting a shocking upset for the team. On the other hand, Forward Sebastian Szymański’s performance raised eyebrows due to his staggering 24 turnovers and just one accurate cross during the game against Lithuania.
The Polish squad faces yet another underdog in Malta, currently positioned 168th in the FIFA rankings. Many expect that anything less than a clear victory against such a lower-ranked opponent would indicate serious issues within the team, especially with the World Cup on the horizon. The expectations for this match are not just about securing a win; there is a clear demand for a marked improvement in performance and style. Fans want to see fluid and coherent attacking plays, making the absence of a victorious style worrisome.
Probierz has announced that he will be making four changes to the starting XI for the match against Malta, hoping to inject some freshness and energy into the team. New faces such as Mateusz Skrzypczak, Jakub Kamiński, Matty Cash, and Krzysztof Piątek are expected to feature prominently, taking the places of Kamil Piątkowski, Przemysław Frankowski, Jakub Piotrowski, and Karol Świderski.
As the team shifts its focus to Malta, there is a growing tension reflecting the doubts from the last performance. Supporters have expressed their frustration, questioning why players who shine in top clubs falter when representing the national team. One fan summed it up succinctly: “Why can’t the players translate their club form to the national squad?”
Interestingly, the last time these two teams faced each other, back in 2003, Poland triumphed in a commanding 4:0 victory. However, this memory is distant compared to the current situation, where the team struggles with consistency and quality.
Many within the Polish fanbase are keenly aware that while Malta lost to Finland just a few days ago, it was only by a one-goal margin of 0:1. This emphasizes that Malta is not to be underestimated, given they will likely implement a defensive strategy to combat Poland’s offense.
This match, set to kick off at 20:45 local time, is seen as a crucial step not only in securing points for the World Cup qualifications but also as an opportunity to regain some of the lost confidence from previous outings. Probierz is under pressure to deliver decisive tactics and an attractive playing style capable of rallying the fans and moving forward positively in the qualifiers.
As Polish supporters gather at the National Stadium, they will be looking for a performance that matches their expectations, hoping that the changes made will translate into a better showing on the pitch. In a tight group that includes Finland and the Netherlands, success against Malta is paramount. The outcome will not only reflect their standing but also their capability to contend with stronger teams in the future.
The anticipation for this match is palpable. With the heartbreak of a lackluster display behind them, can Poland find a way to not only win but to do so with style?
