Lewandowski’s Pain! Team Concedes Goals After His Entry, Eliminated Just Minutes into His Appearance

In the 2024 UEFA European Championship, Poland sealed their elimination a round early, despite having one final match against France left to play.

The decisive turning point came in the early hours of June 22nd when Poland lost 1-3 to Austria. This defeat immediately dashed their hopes of progression, even if France were to draw with the Netherlands later on. Poland’s two consecutive losses meant they finished with zero points, ruling them out of advancing. With Austria, in third place, accumulating 3 points and having a better head-to-head record, Poland found themselves at the bottom of the group.

For Poland, the biggest disappointment was undoubtedly the exit of captain Robert Lewandowski. The Barcelona forward, who missed the first match due to injury, only came on as a substitute against Austria but had the misfortune of witnessing his team’s collapse in the following half-hour, conceding two goals and ultimately suffering defeat.

According to Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo, Lewandowski’s Euro journey was short and bitter. Problems struck even before the tournament began, as he was injured during a friendly against Turkey just prior to the Euros, forcing him to leave the field. He felt discomfort in his thigh, and after medical assessment, doctors ruled him out of the opening game against the Netherlands. He could only watch from the bench. There was speculation about whether he would be fit for the second match, which was crucial for Poland’s qualification hopes.

The Polish coach kept his tactics under wraps before the game, but he couldn’t start Lewandowski in the second round. The striker didn’t come on until the 60th minute, hoping to help his team beat Austria and keep their chances alive. The first half was evenly matched, but after Lewandowski’s entrance, Poland conceded two goals within a matter of minutes. Austria proved more clinical in the box, securing a 3-1 victory over Poland and confirming their elimination.

Lewandowski had few opportunities to make an impact and couldn’t turn the tide. His Euro campaign effectively ended almost as soon as it started. Mundo Deportivo notes that relying solely on Lewandowski wasn’t enough. In his brief 30 minutes on the pitch, Poland not only failed to reverse the situation but suffered a heavier blow, with the loss marking a bitter end to the 35-year-old forward’s Euro adventure. Given his current physical condition, it seems unlikely he will feature in the next edition of the tournament four years from now.