The Polish national football team faced a challenging outing yet managed to secure a narrow victory against Lithuania, winning 1-0 in their recent World Cup qualifier match on March 21, 2025. Despite the positive result, midfielder Jakub Moder expressed concerns over the team's overall performance, emphasizing that the style of play did not meet expectations.
Moder, who plays for Feyenoord, was particularly vocal in his post-match interview with TVP Sport. He remarked, "I think this was the first step in the qualifiers. We have three points, but definitely not in the style we would like." His comments echo a sentiment shared by many observers, as the match was far from smooth sailing for the Polish side.
The only goal of the match came late, in the 81st minute, courtesy of superstar Robert Lewandowski. The goal was somewhat fortunate, a result of a deflection that caught the Lithuanian defense off guard. Prior to that, Poland struggled to find their rhythm, often thwarted by a determined Lithuanian side. Moder noted the lack of creativity during the game, stating, "We lacked fluency, composure, and acceleration in the final third, and created few opportunities for our forwards." This analysis points to significant areas for improvement as the team looks forward to their next clash.
Goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski played a pivotal role in preserving the scoreline, making a critical save at a crucial moment when the match was still tied at 0-0. Referring to this, Moder commented, "We need to be ready for situations like Lithuania had in the 71st minute; we knew they wouldn't just lie down for us." His respect for the Lithuanian side's fighting spirit is palpable, recognizing their attempt to counter and capitalize on set pieces.
After the match, there were clearly mixed emotions among the Polish players and fans. While the three points were vital in the context of the qualifiers, the lackluster performance left much to be desired. Moder candidly assessed the team’s shortcomings, saying, "We need to play better against Malta." The upcoming match, set to take place on March 24, will be crucial for the team's chances to establish a strong qualifying campaign.
In the game against Lithuania, Poland had dominated possession, yet found themselves struggling to convert that into effective scoring opportunities. On a technical level, Moder highlighted the need for more direct attacks and long-range shots in their arsenal. "Perhaps we should be taking more shots from a distance to change things up," he suggested, indicating a tactical shift might be necessary as they prepare for Malta.
The lineup saw some variations, with Moder switching positions with teammates Sebastian Szymański and Jakub Piotrowski during the match. Moder acknowledged this arrangement and expressed optimism about working with his fellow midfielders: "We have many good midfielders. There’s Sebastian Szymański and when he came on, and there’s Mateusz Bogusz, and of course, Kacper Urbański. There are still lots of great moments we can create if we improve our teamwork."
Despite the frustrations of the game, Moder remained focused on the positives, citing that there were moments when the team did manage to quicken the pace of play. "We had several good moments in midfield where we accelerated our attacks and opened up opportunities. That’s something we should primarily focus on in the match against Malta," he noted. With Malta likely to adopt a more defensive posture, his insights on the need for quick transitions will be essential for success.
As the team prepares for their next game, Moder's candid reflections provide a glimpse into the mindset of the players—a mix of relief at securing points and an earnest drive to perform better. The Polish team aims to build on this victory while addressing the shortcomings that were laid bare during the match against Lithuania. They will need to rally their creativity and tactical awareness to secure another win as they face Malta in their upcoming matchup.
This commitment to improvement encapsulates the spirit needed as the team progresses through the qualifying rounds. With Moder eager to lead by example and push for excellence, fans can only hope that Poland rises to the occasion in the coming days.
The match against Malta awaits with the stakes higher than ever, as the path to the World Cup continues to unfold—every point matters.
