In a dramatic finale, Poland secured a 3-2 victory over Scotland in the first round of the UEFA Nations League, marking their first win against the Scots in 44 years. Nicola Zalewski emerged as the match’s standout player, earning two penalties, including the decisive one deep into stoppage time.
Poland started strong, opening the scoring in the 8th minute with a powerful shot from Sebastian Szymański after Kacper Urbański’s interception. Just before halftime, Robert Lewandowski doubled the lead with a penalty after Zalewski was fouled. However, Scotland quickly responded in the second half, with Billy Gilmour capitalizing on a defensive error.
The Scots continued to press and equalized through Scott McTominay in the 76th minute after a costly mistake by Jakub Piotrowski. As the match seemed destined for a draw, Zalewski earned another penalty in the dying moments. He converted it himself, sealing Poland’s dramatic 3-2 win.
This victory launches Poland’s campaign in a tough group, with upcoming matches against Portugal and Croatia.