Poland beat Malta 3-2 in a World Cup qualifying match. The goals for Jan Urban’s side were scored by Robert Lewandowski, Paweł Wszołek, and Piotr Zieliński. The hosts scored their first-ever goals in meetings with the White and Reds – in the previous five encounters, Poland had always won without conceding.
In their final group match, the Polish players faced lower-ranked Malta, who had caused quite a surprise a few days earlier by defeating Finland. Head coach Jan Urban stressed that the opponent could not be underestimated, while maintaining calm confidence in his own team’s quality. Compared to the match against the Netherlands, Urban made four changes.
Poland Edge Malta in Chaotic Match Decided by Zieliński’s Late Strike
Lewandowski put Poland ahead with a header from a set piece, but a series of defensive lapses allowed Malta to score their first-ever goal against the Polish national team, leveling the match before the break. Early in the second half, Wszołek restored Poland’s lead, yet a VAR review soon overturned what could have been a third Polish goal and instead awarded Malta a penalty, making it 2-2.
Coach Jan Urban made several changes in an attempt to stabilize the team, but Poland continued to look uncertain at the back, and Drągowski had to intervene a few times to prevent another Maltese goal. The decisive moment came late in the match, when Zieliński struck powerfully from outside the box to secure the win.
Malta – Poland 2:3
Goals: I. Cardona 36’, T. Teuma 68’ (pen.) - R. Lewandowski 32’, P. Wszołek 59’, P. Zieliński 85’
Referee: Igor Pajac (Croatia)