Poland get the better of Moldova

Poland joined England and Montenegro on four points at the top of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying Group H after a 2-0 win against Moldova.

Having scrapped their way to a 2-2 draw in their opening qualifier in Montenegro, the UEFA EURO 2012 co-hosts found the going easier at home to a Moldova side beaten 5-0 by England on Friday.

Adrian Mierzejewski and Alexandru Gatçan had efforts saved at either end in the early exchanges, and while both sides pushed for an opener, Poland got their punch in first, Jakub Błaszczykowski finishing powerfully from the penalty spot on 33 minutes after Łukasz Piszczek had been fouled.

Stanislav Namaşco saved from Ariel Borysiuk after the break, and Premzysław Tytoń then denied Moldova substitute Gheorghe Ovseannicov, but with the visitors tiring, Poland were able to put the game beyond doubt. 

Błaszczykowski curled the ball in from the left and Jakub Wawrznyiak glanced a header past Namaşco. Tytoń prevented Serghei Alexeev from scavenging a consolation goal late on, fielding his angled effort.