Poland, led by Lewandowski, becomes the initial squad to falter at the European Championships
Team Poland Takes an Early Exit: The Polish national team's journey in the European Championship takes an early end before the last group game. In terms of competition prospects, the tournament is already over for them. The decision for their elimination was made in the second group game.
No Place in the Knockout Stage for Star Striker Robert Lewandowski: Poland has to accept the fate of being the first team ousted from the UEFA European Football Championship. With no points, they sit at the bottom of Group D, following a loss to the Netherlands (1:2) and another to Austria (1:3). Their chances for the last 16 were snuffed out hours later.
With a 0:0 draw between France and the Netherlands, Poland had no chance of moving out of fourth place before the final group match. The Netherlands and France are both on four points, out of reach, and Austria (3) could only catch up in terms of points. Austria would have the advantage in a direct comparison. Superstar Lewandowski was subbed in after an hour due to injury, but he didn't significantly influence Poland's game. They take on France in Dortmund next Tuesday.
This marks Poland's fourth failed attempt to advance past the group stage in their fifth participation in the European Championship. In 2016 in France, they managed to reach the quarterfinals, only to lose in the penalty shootout against the eventual champions Portugal. Their opponent's chances for the last 16 remain alive: "Austria deserved this win," said goalscorer Christoph Baumgartner, praising his coach Rangnick who supported him throughout the game. "He was a daily source of motivation, and in the second half, he urged me to give my best," Baumgartner emphasized. "That's also a shout-out to him." Rangnick himself was ecstatic about "the most crucial game since I've been coach. We are extremely pleased with the victory and the performance."
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Despite Robert Lewandowski's best efforts, Poland fails to qualify for the knockout stage of the European Football Championship 2024, marking another group-stage exit for the team. With the star striker's injury limiting his impact, Poland's hopes of advancing were dashed early in the tournament.
