Montenegro surrender top spot with Poland draw

Montenegro surrendered top spot in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group H to England on goal difference, but got what could prove to be a crucial point with a hard-fought draw in Warsaw.

Dejan Damjanović put the visitors ahead after 12 minutes but the lead was quickly wiped out by Robert Lewandowski, to leave Branko Brnović's side level on points with the Three Lions having played a game more, but behind on goal difference. Montenegro's next assignment is in England on 11 October, when they will aim to wrestle back the advantage as they target a first major finals appearance.

The early threat came from the hosts in the National Stadium Warsaw with Piotr Zieliński failing to convert a one-on-one chance after seven minutes. It was all Poland until the visitors struck on the counter as Damjanović was sent free to slot in a cool finish.

Despite the deficit the home side kept the pressure on and four minutes later Lewandowski pounced on disarray in the Montenegrin defence to score an excellent equaliser. The goalscorer almost turned provider as he slipped in Waldemar Sobota before the break but the No5's initial effort was blocked before the follow up was sent wide.

A win for Poland would have seen them back in the hunt for a play-off spot and they continued to press after the break but some stout defending kept them at bay. Lewandowski missed the target again as time ticked down while Sebastian Boenisch was denied by Božović. The result suited neither side but Poland have the chance to get back to winning ways when they travel to San Marino on Tuesday.