Poland defeated Malta to advance to the playoffs
On November 18, 2025, the Poland national team defeated Malta 3-2 away. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
Despite losing the lead several times during the match, the Poland team led by Yan Urban managed to secure the victory in the end. This result allowed Poland to advance to the play-off stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and maintain second place in Group G.
From the start of the game, the Polish players demonstrated their dominance. The visitors began controlling the ball, and Lewandowski and Zalewski created the first dangerous opportunities.
In the 32nd minute, Piotr Zieliński delivered a free kick, and Robert Lewandowski headed the ball into the left corner of the goal, opening the score. However, Malta responded quickly and equalized in the 36th minute.
Shuaref advanced down the wing and passed to Paul Mbong, who then crossed the ball to Irvin Cardona. Cardona scored on his second attempt.
In the second half, the Poland national team intensified their attack. In the 59th minute, Lewandowski entered the penalty area from the left wing and took a shot, but the goalkeeper saved it.
The ball returned to Paweł Wszołek, who scored from close range. However, the situation changed quickly.
After a video review, the referee disallowed Swiderski’s goal and awarded a penalty to Malta. Teddy Teuma’s shot made the score 2-2.
In the final minutes of the match, Poland put all their effort into securing the win. In the 85th minute, Zieliński took a long-range shot that deflected off Mens’s leg, changing direction and entering the right corner of the goal.
Malta tried to attack at the end of the game, but the Polish defense did not allow such attempts. In the end, Poland won 3-2, earning important three points and maintaining second place in the group.
