Poland loses 1-3 to Sweden in Nations League as Gyökeres and Nygren strike in Solna

Match action in Solna

Poland lost 1-3 to Sweden at the Strawberry Arena in Solna during the second round of the UEFA Nations League Division B. Sweden opened the scoring in the 8th minute when Benjamin Nygren headed the ball past goalkeeper Marcin Bułka after a set piece. Poland responded in the 43rd minute when Sebastian Szymański converted a pass from Nicola Zalewski from the left flank, leveling the score before half-time. Sweden regained control in the second half through a 64th-minute goal from Yasin Ayari, who beat Szymański in the corner of the penalty area following a short corner. Viktor Gyökeres extended Sweden's lead to 3-1 in the 72nd minute, finishing unmarked into an open net to seal the victory for Graham Potter's side.

Tactical adjustments and lineup rotation

Polish manager Jan Urban changed the starting lineup following Friday's 0-0 home draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Warsaw. Urban returned to a three-man defensive line featuring Jan Bednarek, Jakub Kiwior, and Przemysław Wiśniewski, while benching regular captain Robert Lewandowski until the 88th minute. Wiktor Nowak and Mateusz Żukowski received their first national team starts, with Żukowski operating as a target forward for the Magdeburg attacker. Tymoteusz Puchacz returned to the national side at left wing-back after a nearly two-year absence, receiving a yellow card within the opening 30 minutes. Sweden played without forward Alexander Isak, who was sidelined from the September camp due to an injury sustained prior to the international window.

Group standings and tournament schedule

The result leaves Sweden at the top of Group 4 in Division B with six points and a goal difference of 5-2, following their opening 2-1 victory over Romania. Bosnia and Herzegovina occupy second place with four points after defeating Romania 4-2 in Zenica on Monday night. Poland sits in third place with one point from two matches, ahead only of Romania, who remain last with zero points and a 3-6 goal difference. The Polish team continues its Nations League campaign on 2 October with a home match against Romania in Warsaw, followed by an away fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina on 5 October. The group concludes with reverse fixtures in November, including an away trip to Romania on 14 November and a home match against Sweden on 17 November.

Reactions to the defeat in Poland

The performance in Solna drew critical reactions from Polish football commentators and former officials. Former Polish Football Association president Zbigniew Boniek questioned the team's display during the second period.

Another disappointment, the first half was quite good. The second was 'The Six Bullerby Children', oh well.

Journalist and Lewandowski biographer Sebastian Staszewski suggested that the manager's position would depend directly on upcoming autumn fixtures.

We can console ourselves with a goal, a few interesting plays, good pressing work, or performances by Nowak or Puchacz, but unfortunately we lose 1-3 to the Swedes. I will not be surprised if Jan Urban's job is on the line in the next two matches.