For Poland's national coach Robert Lewandowski is simply “vital”, for Spain's coach the world footballer has triggered the “red alarm”. Lewandowski's 67th goal for his country prepared a showdown for Group E next Wednesday, in which the Poles still have chances, but which could be decisive for Luis Enrique's sporting future in the country of the three-time European champions who are not ready for the title. “If we win we are further, if not, we are out. That's football, ”said the 51-year-old somewhat succinctly. His plan with two central attackers ultimately did not work because a center forward named Lewandowski was enough for Poland.
"When you have a player like him who gets kicked from everywhere and performs like that, that makes the difference," said Poland's Portuguese coach Paulo Sousa. The difference is also that the Poles looked more determined on the pitch thanks to Lewandowski, the difference is that after the 1-1 draw against the Spaniards on Saturday evening, despite only one point after two European Championship games, they were much better off than the Spaniards. who with two counters lag far behind their demands and the expectations of the fans.
"It was bad.
We tried to the end, but the goals are simply missing, "said Spain captain Jordi Alba, adding:" We must not lose faith.
Of course we are under pressure, but we are professionals.
I think we'll get through. "Defender Pau Torres emphasized:" Now the knockout games for us will start on Wednesday. "
However, Spain's last victory to date at a European Championship was achieved on June 17, 2016 against Turkey 3-0.
The European champions from 1964, 2008 and 2012 and world champions from 2010 have been waiting for the next victory for four games.
On Wednesday the Slovaks are the opponents, with three points as second in the group they travel to Seville.
Poland play in St. Petersburg against Sweden, which leads the table with four points.
A move out of the Spaniards after the group stage would postpone the long-awaited connection to the successful years of the former golden generation around a decade ago. "The team does not invite optimism," suspected "El Mundo deportivo". “Marca” and “As” spelled out the “red alarm” in reference to the team's nickname “Roja” (red). “Close to the abyss” was the headline for “Sport”.
The fact that Enrique's esteemed Alvaro Morata brought the Spaniards into the lead on presentation of Gerard Moreno, who was taken into the starting line-up after a lot of pressure from outside, had what it takes for a perfect script for Enrique. The fact that after Lewandowski's header equalization that Moreno only hit the post with a penalty and Morata blocked the rebound had something tragic. “That's life sometimes,” said Morata, who had been whistled at by his own fans in the 0-0 draw against Sweden, “there are difficult moments, but you have to look ahead”.
The Spanish newspapers already rubbed Enrique's nose with relish that night on their website that he had said before the game that they would play with Morata and ten others.
"Morata and ten other problems that all Lewandowski created," wrote "Marca" now.
“We made a few mistakes in the front and back.
But it looked a lot better than against Slovakia, "said the 32-year-old attacker himself." In the first game we wanted to play pure football and be very creative.
But other things didn't work out.
Against Spain we had to focus more on the defensive. ”That worked.
Because he met.
There was also praise from the coach.
Paulo Sousa raved about Lewandowski, who had been the focus of criticism after the 2-1 win against Slovakia, as the leader: “He fought for us in every action.
He interacted with his teammates, tore open rooms, initiated attacks and finally scored the goal. "
But to get ahead you need a win against Sweden.
"It is clear that we are not in the favorite role against Sweden, but if we lack skills, we have to make up for it with commitment," said Lewandowski, who once again announced a competitive game.