Poland 1-0 Lithuania Player Ratings: Late Robert Lewandowski Winner Helps Scrap Through Cagey Win
Poland picked up a nervy 1-0 win over Lithuania in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier clash at the Stadion Narodowy, Warszawa on March 20, 2025. It took a late goal from Robert Lewandowski in the 81st minute to separate the two sides, with the hosts getting three points despite not having the most compelling attacking displays.
The hosts dominated the majority of the first half, with Lithuania being more than happy to let them dictate the tempo of the game. Matty Cash came close to opening the lead for Poland in the 6th minute, but his scrappy close-range attempt was blocked off. Seconds later, an ambitious attempt from Lithuanian full-back Pijus Sirvys also went wide.
Cash saw another attempt easily saved in the 11th minute when his looping header from a corner rebound was easily collected by Edvinas Gertmonas. Sebastian Szymanski came close to opening the scoring nine minutes later when his effort from a Karol Swiderski attempt was sent wide for a corner. Przemyslaw Frankowski witnessed a powerful shot saved impressively by Gertmonas in the 23rd minute before a Szymanski free-kick went over the bar two minutes later.
The Polish players kept controlling the ball and moving it into the final third, but their final product was awry. Lithuania’s only shot on target came in the 37th minute through Artur Dolzikov’s shot being easily saved, with that being the final chance of a cagey first half.
Poland began the second half in blistering fashion, with Jakub Piotrowski shooting over from close range after a corner in the 46th minute. Robert Lewandowski saw a weak shot saved in the 58th minute before Matty Cash had a powerful left-footed attempt denied superbly by the goalkeeper in the 66th minute. Substitute Krzystof Piatek powered a shot over the bar in the 69th minute, causing more frustration.
Lithuania’s biggest chance of the game came in the 71st minute when an inviting cross from the left met substitute Giedrius Matulevicius, but his shot was expertly denied by Lukasz Skorupski. Jan Bednarek saw a header saved in the 80th minute, with the game seemingly heading towards a frustrating draw.
However, Poland took the lead in the 81st minute when a brilliant driving run from substitute Jakub Kaminski allowed him to tee up Robert Lewandowski, whose shot looped into the back of the net.
Poland Player Ratings
GK – Lukasz Skorupski – 7/10
The Polish goalkeeper was hardly tested all game long, only having to make a few routine saves. Popped up with a huge stop in the second half to deny the visitors, giving his side the confidence to win the game.
RCB – Kamil Piatkowski – 7/10
The 24-year-old was a proactive and alert figure in the backline, cutting out a lot of Lithuania’s breaks with his stern challenges. Came up with a number of key clearances.
CB – Jan Bednarek – 6.5/10
The experienced centre-back held together a pretty sturdy defensive line, not allowing the Lithuanian forwards to cause that much trouble.
LCB – Jakub Kiwior – 7.5/10
The Arsenal centre-back was sharp on the left side, passing the ball forward smoothly. He worked hard to make clearances and also won 10 duels.
RWB – Matty Cash – 6.5/10
Cash was a hard-working, menacing figure moving through the right wing for Poland. He was at the heart of many attacking moves, testing the goalkeeper with some nice shots, but being unable to beat him.
CM – Jakub Piotrowski – 6/10
The 27-year-old was pretty nice with his passes and worked hard to help his side dominate the midfield battle. Came up short in a few goal-scoring situations.
CM – Jakub Moder – 7/10
Moder was an adventurous figure in the midfield, moving the ball forward smoothly and completing multiple great dribbles. He created a few nice situations and was tidy with his defensive work.
CM – Sebastian Szymanski – 7.5/10
The Fenerbahce man was at the creative hub for Poland on the night, getting into some nice positions to cause trouble to the visitors. He created a few big chances but was not rewarded despite his hard-working effort.
LWB – Przemyslaw Frankoswki – 5.5/10
Frankowski wasn’t tested that much defensively through his side. Tried working hard going forward, but his finishing work was awry.
CF – Karol Swiderski – 5.5/10
The Panathinaikos forward was able to get into some promising situations with his clever movement, but he fluffed a nice number of chances with his finishing.
CF – Robert Lewandowski – 7.5/10
Lewandowski had a frustrating game for the majority of the game, being strictly marked by the defenders. But popped up in the right place for his goal, which was helped by a slight deflection.
SUB – Jakub Kaminski – 7/10
Kaminski added some much-needed drive to his side with his clever runs. Made a brilliant run before teeing up Lewandowski for his goal.
SUB – Krzysztof Piatek – 6.5/10
Piatek came close to scoring after coming on, seeing an effort rifle over the bar.
SUB – Mateusz Wieteska – 6/10
The defender helped Poland get the job done and keep their clean sheet.
SUB – Mateusz Bogusz – 6/10
The 23-year-old failed to make a major impact going forward.
SUB – Adam Bukas – N/R
Manager – Michel Probierz – 6.5/10
Probierz was frustrated for the majority of the game, as his side lacked that ruthlessness in terms of finishing off their chances. Despite his tactics being neutralized, the manager’s smart substitutions turned out to be the difference-maker, as Kaminski played a key role in the winner.
Also Read: Italy 1-2 Germany Player Ratings: Goretzka and Kleindenst give Germany the win in an even contest
Lithuania Player Ratings
GW – Edvinas Gertmonas – 7.5/10
The 28-year-old goalkeeper was kept on his toes all through the game but thrived under all the pressure. He positioned himself perfectly, making six saves, including some excellent reflex stops. Unlucky to concede through a deflected effort.
RCB – Kipras Kazukolvas – 7.5/10
Kazukolvas was a really energetic figure in the backline, covering a lot of distance to nullify Poland’s flow through the left. He popped up with a number of key blocks and clearances to frustrate the hosts.
CB – Edgaras Utkus – 7/10
The 24-year-old was able to hold together a rock-solid defensive line, giving the Polish players little room to threaten in the final third. He made 11 clearances, fending off many Polish attacking moves.
LCB – Artemijus Tutyskinas – 6/10
The young centre-back looked ready for the fight, as he used his pace and positioning skills to close down spaces really well. He came up with a number of key challenges, but his mistimed challenge saw Lewandowski’s shot deflected into the goal.
RWB – Pijus Sirvys – 6/10
Sirvys was a proactive figure on the right, working really hard to come up with some timely challenges to disrupt the hosts’ movement down his side.
CM – Gvidas Gineitis – 6/10
Gineitis was able to test Poland with some interesting shooting attempts and moved the ball around nicely. Frustrated the opposition midfielders with his intelligent defensive work.
CM – Domantas Antanavicius – 4.5/10
The 26-year-old had his share of struggles in midfield, not being able to deal with the intensity of the Polish attackers. He lost 9 duels in the game, having a tough time in midfield.
LWB – Justas Lasickas – 7.5/10
The Lithuania captain was an inspired figure on the left, working his socks off and ensuring his side soaked up the pressure perfectly. He made a number of key tackles and won duels to keep the hosts quiet.
RAM – Paulius Golubikas – 4/10
Barely able to get involved in the game, not even completing 10 passes in the game. lacked any creative or goal-scoring threat throughout his performance.
LAM – Artur Dolznikov – 5/10
Dolznikov worked hard defensively, winning some duels and helping out his defenders. But he had a dull game going forward, being unable to create anything.
CF – Armandas Kucys – 6/10
The 22-year-old won an impressive 12 duels for his side and forced a lot of fouls with his hold-up play. But wasn’t able to get at the end of chances well enough.
SUB – Giedrius Matulevicius – 5/10
The substitute had his side’s biggest chance to score soon after coming on, but his shot from close range was too weak to cause Poland problems.
SUB – Fedor Cernych – 5/10
Cernych failed to really get into the game, not being able to set up anything special for his side.
SUB – Titas Milasius – 5.5/10
The defender had a decent substitute outing but failed to do much for Lewandowski’s goal.
SUB – Matas Vareika – 5.5/10
Failed to really set things up in the late cameo.
SUB – Gytis Paulauskas – N/R
Couldn’t get at the end of chance in his late cameo.
Manager – Edgaras Jankauskas – 6/10
To his credit, Jankauskas was able to set up his side really strongly on the defensive end to frustrate Poland. His side was able to soak up pressure perfectly and cause major frustration for Poland. Unlucky to see the winning goal came from a deflected effort, but he couldn’t really get his side to cause major problems for the Polish defence.
Sportsdunia’s Man of the Match Goes to Robert Lewandowski.
FAQs
What was the result of Poland vs Lithuania?
Poland 1-0 Lithuania.
When was Poland vs Lithuania?
Poland vs Lithuania took place at the Stadion Narodowy, Warszawa at 19:45 GMT on March 21, 2025.
Who was the Man of the Match in Poland vs Lithuania?
Robert Lewandowski was the Man of the Match in Poland vs Lithuania
Who was the Worst Player in Poland vs Lithuania?
Paulius Golubikas was the worst player in Poland vs Lithuania.
