Poland see off Argentina in Warsaw
Sunday, June 5, 2011
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Poland 2-1 Argentina
The UEFA EURO 2012 co-hosts' preparations for next summer's finals continued with a victory, Argentina's second successive defeat in a week.
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Poland 2-1 Argentina
The UEFA EURO 2012 co-hosts triumphed in Warsaw courtesy of goals from Adrian Mierzejewski and Paweł Brożek.
Sergio Batista's team were beaten by Nigeria in midweek and, missing the likes of Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tévez, found themselves behind again in Warsaw to Mierzejewski's first-half goal. Marco Ruben levelled the scores just after the interval but Paweł Brożek struck midway through the second period to wrap up victory for Franciszek Smuda's side.
It was his charges who had the first notable attempt on goal of the match, Mierzejewki's free-kick comfortably saved by Adrián Gabbarini. The Argentina keeper could not deny the same player 12 minutes later, however, Mierzejewki pouncing on Federico Fazio's defensive lapse and finishing with a powerful shot.
"I waited a while for my first goal as it was already my 11th match for Poland," said the scorer. "It is nice I finally managed to do it. Of course, Argentina were without their best players, but it is still Argentina." The south Americans were fortunate not to be two behind just after the half-hour, Kamil Grosicki heading over.
Poland were made to pay for their profligacy when Ruben beat Wojciech Szczęsny, but they regained their lead on 67 minutes, substitue Brożek finishing off some fine interplay with a neat finish. Poland play another friendly, against France, on Thursday.