WWorld footballer Robert Lewandowski clapped his hands in relief, cheered briefly with his teammates and then let himself be celebrated by the Polish fans. The Spaniards without a win again left the lawn of the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville with disappointed expressions. With his 67th international goal in the 54th minute to 1: 1 (0: 1) final score, Lewandowski saved the Poles from premature exit on Saturday and gave co-favorites Spain at the same time the great tremors at the European Football Championship.
Like Poland with one point, the three-time European champion, for whom Alvaro Morata (25th) took the lead and Gerard Moreno (58th) missed a penalty, is also under considerable pressure in Group E with two points and needs in the preliminary round on Wednesday against Slovakia (3) a victory for safe progress. Lewandowski and Poland will then face leaders Sweden (4).
“It was bad. We tried to the end, but the goals are simply missing, “said Spain captain Jordi Alba, adding:” We must not lose faith. Of course we are under pressure, but we are professionals. I think we’ll get through. “Defender Pau Torres emphasized:” Now the knockout games for us will start on Wednesday. “
After the zero number at the start against Sweden and the subsequent criticism in their own country, the Spaniards wanted to show a defiant reaction. Above all Morata, who had to endure a lot of whistles in the first game. Almost defiantly, coach Luis Enrique gave the striker a guarantee – and was rewarded for his trust.
After an uneventful start, it was Morata, of all people, who made the Spanish fans cheer for the first time at the European Championship. The 28-year-old met Moreno’s submission, but was initially slowed down because the assistant referee recognized the goalscorer’s alleged offside position. However, the video evidence refuted this, whereupon the Italian referee Daniele Orsato gave the goal and the relieved Morata fell around the neck of his coach on the sidelines out of gratitude.
Template provider Moreno (34th) could have extended the lead he deserved at the time, but narrowly missed the goal with a free kick. Almost in return, the Poles, who had hardly appeared offensively until then, got their first chance. Lewandowski crossed to Karol Swiderski, who maneuvered the ball over the crossbar from close range.
Shortly before half-time, both players were also involved in the greatest opportunity to equalize. Swiderski takes heart from a distance and pounded the leather on the post, the margin from Lewandowski defused Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon with a great reflex.
In the second half, the Poles finally gave up their restraint and attacked the opponent much earlier. The pressing posed problems for the hosts. The effort was quickly rewarded when Lewandowski robustly prevailed against Aymeric Laporte on a high cross in the penalty area and hit with a precise header to equalize. It was the 67th international goal for Lewandowski, who was the first player in his country to score in three European Championship tournaments.
A little later, the Spaniards had a great chance to take the lead again when referee Orsato decided on a penalty after video evidence. Jakub Moder had stepped on Moreno’s foot, but the victim only hit the post. Morata put the rebound next to the goal.
In the final phase, Spain was back on the trigger. The Poles fought with heart and passion against the second goal that Morata (83rd) came closest to. However, the striker forgave from close range and was replaced shortly afterwards. So it stayed with a draw in the end.
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