Michał Żewłakow won his 100th cap as UEFA EURO 2012 co-hosts Poland claimed a 2-2 draw.
The hosts beat Poland 3-0 the last time the two sides met in Krakow in March 2008 but were at an immediate disadvantage in Chicago, with Franciszek Smuda's side backed by impressive support from the city's Polish community. They were, though, twice forced to come from behind – through Adam Matuszczyk and Jakub Błaszczykowski – after goals from Jozy Altidore and Oguchi Onyewu.
Smuda was without four defenders because of injury and illness and his makeshift back line was breached after just 13 minutes. FC Schalke 04's Jermaine Jones was the provider on his first cap, providing a perfect pass to lay on Altidore, who did the rest when faced with just Artur Boruc to beat.
Robert Lewandowski was less clinical in a similar situation eight minutes later but Poland did restore parity on 30 minutes, Matuszczyk registering his maiden international goal with a shot from outside the penalty area. Altidore spurned two chances to put his side back in front before the break, being denied by the bar on the first occasion, but the United States' lead was restored seven minutes after the break when Onyewu headed in a Stuart Holden corner.
Błaszczykowski ensured honours ended even with a fine finish 17 minutes from time to leave Poland in high spirits ahead of another friendly against Ecuador in Montreal on Tuesday. Żewłakow will become his country's most-capped player should he make his 101st appearance in Canada.
Info: http://uefa.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment