The first half was one-way traffic and Poland’s familiar failings were evident. Coach Michał Probierz has spoken on several occasions about the necessity for his team to maintain possession better.
Midfield quandary
Despite fielding possibly the most technical midfield of Probierz’s reign, the Poles were rarely able to construct any meaningful build-up play.
The three-man midfield of Urbański, Szymański and Zieliński potentially offers creativity and conceptually deploying the latter as a deep-lying playmaker with two energetic skillful players either side of him could work in the long run.
However, there was little sign of the required understanding between them to trouble Croatia’s wily central players.
After curling a sumptuous 52nd minute free kick from the edge of the area into the top corner, Croatian captain Luka Modrić showed why he remains a valuable asset for his club Real Madrid and vital to his country, despite turning 39 on Monday.
Supply line for Lewandowski
Poland’s biggest flaw over the past decade has been their inability to provide chances for their one world-class player, Robert Lewandowski. So, it was encouraging to see that Probierz was attempting to address the issue by fielding midfielders capable of fashioning chances for their captain.
However, theory and practice can wildly differ and Lewandowski cut the isolated-looking figure fans have become accustomed to seeing in a Poland shirt.
In Osijek he was once again feeding off scraps. In the 70th minute, the striker adeptly controlled a looping cross into the area before unleashing a powerful left-footed drive that rebounded off the crossbar for what was his only sight at goal.
Probierz cannot be accused of not attempting to address the team’s weaknesses. As well as midfield creativity he has been seeking a suitable partner for Lewandowski up top.
On this occasion he gave Mateusz Bogusz, who has impressed for Los Angeles FC this season, an opportunity. But MLS and top-tier Nations League football are considerably different levels of quality and Bogusz made no impact.
Probierz made a triple substitution in the 62nd minute, attempting to galvanize his side. But the fresh legs of Świderski, Slisz and—to a lesser extent—Moder failed to impact the course of the game.
Zestful Zalewski
Poland began this season’s Nations League in positive fashion with victory over Scotland in Glasgow. Albeit very narrowly, thanks to Nicola Zalewski’s injury time penalty conversion on Thursday.
Zalewski was a thorn in the Scottish side with his pace, directness and dribbling ability. Similarly against Croatia on Sunday, he looked the man most capable of conjuring something for the Poles.
The Croats, however, are a cut above Scotland and, on this showing, Poland too.
What’s next?
After two matches Poland are third in Group 1. Portugal lead the four-team group, having won their opening two matches. Croatia are second and Scotland remain at the bottom.
Poland return to action in October, hosting Portugal in Warsaw on the 12th followed by Croatia at the National Stadium on the 15th.
