In a tense match at PGE Narodowy in Warsaw, Poland emerged victorious over Lithuania with a narrow 1-0 score in their first qualifying game for the 2026 World Cup. The only goal of the game was scored by none other than team captain Robert Lewandowski in the 81st minute, marking his 85th goal for the national team and consequently solidifying his leading position as a prolific scorer for Poland.
The match on March 21, 2025, saw the Polish team struggle through the first half, failing to convert several opportunities against a resilient Lithuanian defense. Matty Cash, Sebastian Szymański, and Jakub Piotrowski all had chances to score during the opening half, but were ultimately thwarted by both their own missteps and a strong performance from the Lithuanian goalkeeper, Edvinas Gertmonas.
Interestingly, Poland's defense did not escape scrutiny either, as they were almost caught off guard early on when Lithuania’s Gvidas Gineitis fired a shot from approximately 25 meters away. Fortunately, Polish goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski was alert and made a crucial save, keeping Poland's hopes alive.
Observers noted that the Polish players seemed to detail challenges in their strategy, particularly in playing from the back, which led to a few dangerous turnovers in their own half. As a result, fans were left wondering if these misjudgments would come back to haunt their chances at victory.
As the teams returned to the field after halftime, Poland appeared more determined. Matty Cash had a near miss early in the second half, mirroring his previous frustrations from the first period. The introduction of Krzysztof Piątek provided fresh energy to the attacking front, and he too carved out opportunities to score.
With less than 10 minutes remaining on the clock, the breakthrough finally came. Lewandowski received a well-placed pass from Jakub Kamiński, who had replaced Cash just moments earlier and had dramatically changed the tempo of the match. Lewandowski skillfully controlled the ball before unleashing a powerful shot that deflected off a defender and ultimately led to a heartbreaking moment for Lithuanian fans as it passed through Gertmonas’s fingers into the back of the net.
This goal not only secured the three points for Poland but also revitalized Lewandowski’s scoring run after previously missing opportunities over recent international matches, with his last goal being against Scotland in September 2024. The captain's ability to clinch high-pressure moments continues to cement his legacy as one of Poland’s greatest players.
After the match, Cash reflected on the game, highlighting the importance of hard work and perseverance. He said, “You have to fight to win. Life isn’t easy, and sometimes you need to expect tough matches. Look at the leagues—teams like Plymouth beating Liverpool in the FA Cup illustrate that point well.” This speaks to a grimmer reality of sports: victories are often hard-won, and respecting one’s opponent is key.
Cash's return to the national squad after almost a year—his previous appearance being in a win against Estonia—was met with enthusiasm, as he aims to re-establish himself as a pivotal player. “You won’t win 4-5 zero against such teams. Every player in Liverpool belongs to the top tier; it doesn't matter if they play or sit on the bench,” Cash acknowledged, showing respect for the competitive nature of international football.
Following this win, Poland will quickly shift focus as they prepare to face Malta in another World Cup qualifying match on March 24, 2025. Looking ahead, they’ll have further matches against Finland in June, as they aim to solidify their position in this qualifying campaign.
In conclusion, Poland’s victory over Lithuania was a testament to the team’s resilience, particularly in a game where nothing came easy. As fans celebrate this narrow win, they will also hope for a stronger showing in their upcoming matches.
