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Robert Lewandowski, the all-time leading scorer for Poland, did not start Friday’s Euro 2024 Group D encounter at Berlin’s Olympiastadion against Austria.
Many were surprised by this choice, considering Lewandowski’s standing and track record. Michal Probierz, Poland’s coach, made some calculated decisions, but his recent injury was the main factor in this decision.
Lewandowski, a striker at FC Barcelona, was hurt in his thigh in Poland’s last warm-up before the tournament. He was unable to play in Poland’s first group match against the Netherlands due to this injury, and Poland lost 2-1.
Concerns about Lewandowski’s health and preparedness to play the entire game played a major role in the decision to bench him.
Level in Berlin after 45 minutes…#EURO2024 | #POLAUT pic.twitter.com/tWJnTelg6W
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 21, 2024
Instead of running the danger of making his injury worse, Poland’s medical staff and coach Probierz thought it was best to gradually get him back into action.
Poland suffered a major blow when Lewandowski, who has 82 goals for his nation, was out of the game. His ability in front of goal is unparalleled, and his very existence on the pitch usually lifts the spirits of his teammates.
Lewandowski scored 26 goals in 49 games, despite Barcelona finishing the season without a trophy, highlighting his reliable play and value to whatever side he plays for.
Adam Buksa, who scored in the 2-1 loss to the Netherlands, was named in the starting lineup in Lewandowski’s place. He was assigned to the attacking tandem of Krzysztof Piatek and Poland.
Buksa and Piatek were started by coach Probierz in an effort to keep up a potent offensive line while giving Lewandowski more time to heal.
Ralf Rangnick, the coach of Austria, also altered his starting lineup a few times. He replaced Michael Gregoritsch as the lone striker with seasoned striker Marko Arnautovic.
Rangnick also made a change in his center-back lineup, inserting Gernot Trauner and Philipp Lienhart for Kevin Danso and Maximilian Woeber. Austria made these adjustments as part of their plan to bolster their offense and defense in an effort to win after losing to France 1-0 in their opening game.
Poland and Austria had both lost their opening games and were desperate for a victory. With Austria losing to France and Poland losing to the Netherlands, both sides’ chances of making it to the knockout stages depended on the outcome of this match. There was a great deal of strain, and each strategic choice had great consequences.
Lewandowski’s potential impact on the game did not diminish even after he was initially benched. It’s well knowledge that his ability to score goals may alter the course of a game.
Probierz probably left him off the field as a precaution, knowing that he might be added if the circumstances of the game called for him to be involved.
Robert Lewandowski’s recent injury and the necessity to carefully monitor his fitness played a factor in Poland’s deliberate choice to bench him for the pivotal Euro 2024 encounter against Austria.
Michal Probierz, the Polish coach, started Adam Buksa and Krzysztof Piatek in order to keep up a potent offensive line and give Lewandowski more time to heal.
Austria also altered their starting lineup significantly, underscoring the importance of the game for both sides. With Lewandowski prepared to contribute if necessary, Poland aimed to gain a crucial victory to maintain their tournament chances despite the absence of their star striker from the starting lineup.
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