Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski’s retaken spot kick for Poland denied World Cup finalist, France the opportunity to finish at the summit of group D after an intriguing game in Dortmund.
The Polish striker’s goal secured a point for the already ousted Poland, who preserved their record of never losing all group games at a major tournament.
Making three changes to the starting line-up from the previous game, the introduction of Mbappé – after his untimely collision against Austria’s Kevin Danso in Les Bleus opening game- was expected to give the team a lift.
Mbappé, who watched on from the sidelines as France and the Netherlands played out a lull draw, was a constant threat through out the game – in search of his first goal at the European Championships (Euros).
The PSG forward was not to be denied as he thumped in a spot kick for the French, just before the hour mark.
However, Deschamps tactics ( going with young guns from the off) seemed to have worked out in bits, but he opted for experience just after the hour mark as France made a host of substitutions – including Giroud, Griezmann, and Camavinga, all joining the fray.
But it was Poland, who for 77 minutes were still looking to get into the game, who struck next.
Barcelona forward Robert Lewandoski was on hand to level the game for his side from the penalty spot, converting his second kick after Maignan saved the first, which was deemed to be illegal; Maignan got off his line before the kick was taken.
From then, the tempo of the game swayed the way of Poland and, if there were to be another goal, it would have gone the way of Poland.
Both teams settled for a point as Poland head to the airport, while France march on to the knockouts.
Mbappé return not enough for France
When Kylian Mbappé headed to Düsseldorf to receive treatment after a broken nose in France’s first game, the news back home was the star man needed a surgery, which would have ruled him out for 10 days or the entire tournament.
The feedback was unpleasant as fears allayed over the availability of the skipper in the tournament. However, Mbappé’s severe injury was only going to rule him out of one game -against the Netherlands- and it was business as usual for the forward on his return.
Although previously being thwarted by Yann Sommer when he had the chance to send France through to the quarter-finals in the last Euros, he was not to be denied this time as the French skipper got off the mark in the Euros.
Not only did he get off the mark but he also became the first French player to score in the tournament after their only goal – against Austria- was orchestrated by him via an own goal.
Regardless, Mbappé was unable to steer France to the summit of the group, settling for second place behind Ralf Rangnick and Austria with 5 points, facing the possibility of a tougher draw in the latter stages of the tournament.
Poland preserve record
Poland knew they had been eliminated before the whilstle went to commence the game in Dortmund and, there was nothing really to play for save national pride.
However, this Polish side were unwilling to become the first in the country’s history to lose all three games at a major tournament, and Robert Lewandoski ensured he made the most of his opportunities on his second attempt from the spot.
Lewandoski, who missed Poland’s previous two group games in the tournament, was in for only his first start of the campaign after ending the season for Barcelona with an injury.
The forward was able to apply the finishing touch when the opportunity came calling as Mike Maignan had earlier saved his kick, before a retake was awarded due to Maignan getting off his line, which Lewandoski utilized to good effect.
Poland’s sole point places them at the bottom of group D with 1 point -not enough for a third placed finish- and out of the competition.
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Story by: Andrews Sefa Bamfo| univers. ug.edu.gh
