Poland win, but Lewandowski's slump continues
UKRAINE 0
POLAND 1
(Jakub Blaszczykowski 54)
The enigma of Robert Lewandowski's Euro 2016 barren run continues.
At the Stade Velodrome on Wednesday morning (June 22, Singapore time), Poland completed their mission, claiming a spot in the Round of 16 after beating Ukraine 1-0.
However, the man they were counting on to provide the cutting edge misfired once more in front of goal, for the third game in a row at this tournament.
Instead, it was Jakub Blaszczykowski who stole the thunder in Marseille, blasting in a 54th-winner to help his side clinch the runners-up spot in Group C.
But, to go far in the tournament, the Poles know they need Lewandowski to fire on all cylinders.
The striker who thumped in 13 goals in their qualifying campaign and 30 league goals for Bayern Munich last season has looked mysteriously out of sorts.
He hasn't scored in the Euro Finals since the first game of Euro 2012.
When presented with a gilt-edged chance to open his account in France in the fourth minute against the Ukrainians, he skied his shot from point-blank range.
It was the closest he got this morning.
In the end, substitute Blaszczykowski's strike proved enough.
But it's clear something is missing from Poland.
Lewandowski's poor form doesn't bode well for them.
An exit at the next obstacle may be unavoidable unless their talisman regains his mojo.
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