Poland beat Malta 2-0 in Warsaw on Monday, making it two wins from two in their opening World Cup qualifiers.
A goal in each half from Karol Świderski was enough to see off the Maltese on Monday evening, who never seriously threatened the Polish rear guard.
Ahead of the match, much of the discussion centered around Poland’s need to play with greater intensity following their lackluster 1-0 win over Lithuania on Friday.
In response, the players took more of the initiative in the first half, playing with slightly higher tempo and directness, particularly through Jakub Kamiński, who provided energy and attacking drive on the left flank.
Kamiński’s adventurous and speedy dribbling was exactly what the Poles needed in the absence of the injured Nicola Zalewski, who offers similar qualities. The wide man came close to scoring on several occasions, and only Bogusz and Świderski’s subpar finishing prevented him from claiming a few assists.
Poland took the lead in the 27th minute, when Krzysztof Piątek’s low cross took the goalkeeper out of the game and presented Świderski with an empty net.
The highlight of the match came in the 51st minute when Jakub Moder’s clever backheel set up Świderski for a well-placed first-time shot into the bottom corner.
There are two ways to look at Poland’s start to World Cup qualification. The optimist can point to a 100% record from the first two matches, no goals conceded and the Poles sitting comfortably on top of Group G.
The other side of the coin is the manner of the displays in front of expectant home crowds against two very weak sides. The Poles were insipid against the Lithuanians, who are ranked more than 100 places beneath them and only a fortunate deflected shot enabled them to sneak to victory.
The vigor and attacking intent improved on Monday but their opponents are perennial whipping boys, ranked 168th in the world.
It was a little odd to watch Świderski and Moder cup their hands in front of the home supporters, in a gesture presumably in response to the recent criticism from fans and media.
Scoring two goals against a nation ranked lower than the likes of Maldives, Vanuatu and Bermuda does not justifiably silence the critics; it is merely living up to the minimum requirement.
Poland have played their two easiest fixtures (home to the two weakest teams) and while the six points they earned are welcome, they are not likely to qualify if they replicate their performances against the Netherlands and Finland.
Head coach Michał Probierz now faces key tactical decisions moving forward.
His 3-5-2 system can be effective against stronger opponents but has looked predictable against weaker sides, often relying on individual brilliance.
Last year Zalewski provided that cutting edge and on Monday Kaminski showed the desire and ability to spring Polish attacks.
The three-man defense can work against weaker opposition if there are one or two central defenders prepared to step into midfield to create overloads. But Poland does not currently possess any such center back, often meaning there are three players taking care of one lone forward.
A four-man defense converting some of wing-backs could help generate more attacking options.
However he chooses to address the issue, Probierz needs to find a formula that creates more chances for his forwards, who are largely feeding off scraps and hopeful crosses.
Up front, Poland have quality in Robert Lewandowski, Krzysztof Piątek and Świderski, but the team must create more clear-cut chances.
Probierz has time to refine his approach, with Poland next in action in June in a friendly against Moldova on June 6, followed by a crucial away qualifier against Finland on June 10.
Ahead of the match, much of the discussion centered around Poland’s need to play with greater intensity following their lackluster 1-0 win over Lithuania on Friday.
In response, the players took more of the initiative in the first half, playing with slightly higher tempo and directness, particularly through Jakub Kamiński, who provided energy and attacking drive on the left flank.
Kamiński’s adventurous and speedy dribbling was exactly what the Poles needed in the absence of the injured Nicola Zalewski, who offers similar qualities. The wide man came close to scoring on several occasions, and only Bogusz and Świderski’s subpar finishing prevented him from claiming a few assists.
Poland took the lead in the 27th minute, when Krzysztof Piątek’s low cross took the goalkeeper out of the game and presented Świderski with an empty net.
The highlight of the match came in the 51st minute when Jakub Moder’s clever backheel set up Świderski for a well-placed first-time shot into the bottom corner.
Glass half empty?
There are two ways to look at Poland’s start to World Cup qualification. The optimist can point to a 100% record from the first two matches, no goals conceded and the Poles sitting comfortably on top of Group G.
The other side of the coin is the manner of the displays in front of expectant home crowds against two very weak sides. The Poles were insipid against the Lithuanians, who are ranked more than 100 places beneath them and only a fortunate deflected shot enabled them to sneak to victory.
The vigor and attacking intent improved on Monday but their opponents are perennial whipping boys, ranked 168th in the world.
It was a little odd to watch Świderski and Moder cup their hands in front of the home supporters, in a gesture presumably in response to the recent criticism from fans and media.
Scoring two goals against a nation ranked lower than the likes of Maldives, Vanuatu and Bermuda does not justifiably silence the critics; it is merely living up to the minimum requirement.
Poland have played their two easiest fixtures (home to the two weakest teams) and while the six points they earned are welcome, they are not likely to qualify if they replicate their performances against the Netherlands and Finland.
Probierz with much to ponder
Head coach Michał Probierz now faces key tactical decisions moving forward.
His 3-5-2 system can be effective against stronger opponents but has looked predictable against weaker sides, often relying on individual brilliance.
Last year Zalewski provided that cutting edge and on Monday Kaminski showed the desire and ability to spring Polish attacks.
The three-man defense can work against weaker opposition if there are one or two central defenders prepared to step into midfield to create overloads. But Poland does not currently possess any such center back, often meaning there are three players taking care of one lone forward.
A four-man defense converting some of wing-backs could help generate more attacking options.
However he chooses to address the issue, Probierz needs to find a formula that creates more chances for his forwards, who are largely feeding off scraps and hopeful crosses.
Up front, Poland have quality in Robert Lewandowski, Krzysztof Piątek and Świderski, but the team must create more clear-cut chances.
Probierz has time to refine his approach, with Poland next in action in June in a friendly against Moldova on June 6, followed by a crucial away qualifier against Finland on June 10.
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