Nicola Zalewski to the rescue of the Polish team. The White and Reds snatched victory

Both Poland and Scotland have weak European Championships behind them. Participation in Division A of the 2024/2025 Nations League is a big test for both teams. The White and Reds started the match brilliantly, but their opponents were able to equalize. However, Nicola Zalewski’s goal in injury time decided the 3:2 victory.

The first half of Poles is exceptionally happy

The Polish footballers heard in the first seconds: “we’re playing at home”, which made it clear that they had the support of their fans. After the first few minutes of recognizing the game, the Poles took the lead. In the 8th minute, Kacper Urbański took the ball, and Robert Lewandowski passed it to Sebastian Szymański. The Fenerbahce player received the ball and after a moment fired a long shot. The ball bounced off the post and went into the Scots’ goal. The nervous hosts began fighting for the equalizer through a positional attack.

In the following minutes, they were more active, forcing Marcin Bułka to intervene. However, the hosts lacked specific, good passes that would allow them to make an effective shot on the White and Reds’ goal. They almost managed to do so in the 23rd minute. After a free kick into the penalty area, McTominay took advantage of the confusion and almost “pushed” the ball from a few meters away. After a moment of euphoria, the referee stopped the celebration. The opposing player touched the ball with his hand and canceled the goal. However, this did not change the fighting mood of the Scots, who clearly dominated in terms of ball possession. However, the White and Reds were more fortunate, going into the break with a two-goal lead. In the 43rd minute, Ralston fouled Nicola Zalewski in the penalty area. Robert Lewandowski converted the “eleven” into a goal.

Nicola Zalewski secured three points for the Poles

The second half started in the worst possible way for the White and Reds. The Scots immediately went on the offensive. Although Walukiewicz (who entered the pitch before the start of the half) blocked one of the opponents’ attempts, Gilmour got to the ball and gave Bułka no chance with a powerful shot. The Scots maintained control of the ball, but the game had certainly calmed down compared to the express start. In the 59th minute, Szymański showed off another great shot from distance, but this time the ball flew slightly over Gunn’s goal. This was a sign of good play by the White and Reds, who were looking hard for an opportunity for a third goal.

After the 70th minute, the Scots were looking for another chance to score. They got it in the 76th minute thanks to McTominay. After a mistake by Piotrowski, Ralston passed the ball to Doak, who laid it out for the midfielder, who scored a goal from the first touch. The Poles had to be careful, because the Scots were also looking for a chance to win. Probierz brought on many substitutes, including Jakub Moder, who has not played a match for Brighton in the new season.

In the added time, the hosts were more active, but with time, the Poles began to look for the third goal. In the 96th minute, Zalewski was fouled in the penalty area by McKenna. After a few moments, the Roma player took a penalty, giving Michał Probierz’s team the victory.

Poland will play against Croatia in the Nations League

On Sunday, September 8, the Poles will play their second match in the Nations League. In Osijek, they will face the Croatians.

Scotland – Poland 2:3 (0:2)

Goals: Gilmour 46′, McTominay 76′ – Szymanski 8′, Lewandowski 45′, Zalewski 97′

Scotland: Gunn, Robertson, McKenna, Hanley, Ralston, McLean, Gilmour, Mctominay, Christie (Shankland), McGinn (Doak), Dykes (Gauld)

Poland: Bułka, Kiwior (Walukiewicz), Dawidowicz, Bednarek, Zalewski, Zieliński (Moder), Urbański, Szymanski (Slisz), Frankowski, Piątek (Piotrowski), Lewandowski (Buksa)