Poland camp plays down goalscoring worries over misfiring Bayern Munich hitman Robert Lewandowski
Poland boss Adam Nawalka dismissed concerns over the form of striker Robert Lewandowski after the Bayern Munich hitman again fired blanks during his side’s 1-0 qualification-clinching victory over Ukraine in Marseille.
Victory, courtesy of a skilful strike from half-time substitute Jakub Blaszczykowski, was enough for Poland to seal second place in Group C and progress to the knockout phase of a European Championship for the first time. They now face Switzerland in the last 16 on Saturday.
Despite netting 42 goals for German champions Bayern last season and 13 during Poland’s qualifying campaign for the tournament, Lewandowski has failed to register a shot on target in the opening three matches of the competition proper.
“That Lewandowski hasn’t scored yet is not a problem whatsoever,” said Nawalka. “He is doing a lot of hard work and has had a big influence on our wins and how we played. He’s incredibly important for us.
“He’s a player who can help us. He plays in a supportive way throughout. It’s just a matter of time for him, he’s creating a lot of chances and I think he will score in the next match.”
Borussia Dortmund winger Blaszczykowski became the first Polish player to score at two European Championship finals on 54 minutes when he fired left-footed past Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov following intricate passing from a short corner.