Poland vs Canada

With no goals scored in its last four matches, Poland was desparate for some kind of a change.

And they got it.

This friendly match played in Bydgoszcz saw Poland use an experimental lineup with many newer and younger players.

Poland dominated most of the match, illustrated by the 14 corner kicks they earned.

But with their numerous chances, they could only squeeze out one goal, and it proved to be the winner.

It came in the 19th minute from 20 year old Maciej Rybus, playing in only his second international for Poland.

Rybus received the ball deep in the Canadian penalty area.

With two Canadians marking him, Rybus was nonetheless able to make a quick spin move and swiftly take a shot at goal, beating the two defenders and the keeper for a splendidly crafted goal.

It was Poland’s first goal in the last 388 minutes of play.

Poland appeared to score again 11 minutes later on a perfectly taken free kick by French Pole Ludovic Obraniak, finding the head of a teammate and the back of the net, but the goal was nullified courtesy of offsides.

Poland almost scored a second goal in the 90th minute thanks to another youngster playing in his second cap, when 21 year old Patryk Malecki fired a shot off the Canadian post.

The match ended and one could not help but reflect on how refreshing it was to see Poland finally have the confidence to take some shots from distance. Perhaps they can make more of a habit of this?