Poland 2 Portugal 3: Selecao spoils Lewandowski landmark

Cristiano Ronaldo's absence was not felt by Portugal as it beat Poland 3-2 in the Nations League.

Robert Lewandowski failed to shine on his 100th Poland appearance

Robert Lewandowski failed to inspire Poland on his 100th international appearance as Portugal came from behind to claim a 3-2 win in the Nations League.

Krzysztof Piatek nodded the home side in front, but, despite Cristiano Ronaldo's absence, Portugal rallied, and, having equalised through Andre Silva, was ahead by the interval, thanks to Kamil Glik's own goal.

Bernardo Silva benefitted from poor Lukasz Fabianski goalkeeping to put Portugal further ahead six minutes into the second half, ensuring that Jakub Blaszczykowski's fine strike was a mere consolation.

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Lewandowski could have capped his milestone appearance with a goal after he was put through in the 10th minute, but a tight offside call came to Portugal's rescue.

Poland soon had the lead, though, Piatek rising highest at the back post to head home Rafal Kurzawa's right-wing cross.

The offside flag denied Rafa Silva an immediate equaliser, but Portugal's pressure told just after the half-hour, Andre Silva tucking in from Pizzi's cut-back.

Portugal had its tails up and scored again in the 42nd minute as Glik's desperate tackle on Rafa Silva sent the ball into the net after the Benfica midfielder – teed up by a wonderful Ruben Neves pass – had rounded Fabianski.

Piotr Zielinski had Rui Patricio scrambling following the restart, though Fabianski's failure to deal with Bernardo Silva's low strike at the other end soon compounded Poland's misery.

Substitute Blaszczykowski set up a grandstand finish with an exquisite 77th-minute half-volley, although Poland's comeback hopes would have been ended had Tomasz Kedziora not cleared Renato Sanches' effort off the line.

That miss did not ultimately not prove costly, though, as Portugal held firm to condemn Poland to its first defeat under Jerzy Brzeczek.

What does it mean: Brzeczek's wait for a win goes on

Adam Nawalka's five-year stint as Poland boss was brought to an end after its disappointing campaign at Russia 2018, but new coach Brzeczek has not fared much better, having drawn against Italy and the Republic of Ireland prior to Thursday's clash. Portugal, meanwhile, tops League A Group Three with six points from its opening two Nations League fixtures.

Piatek the heir to Lewandowski's throne

While there were dominant displays across the park for Portugal, Poland was not so fortunate. Piatek, however, did stand out. The Genoa youngster has been one of Europe's in-form players with 13 goals in eight appearances for the Serie A club in all competitions, and wasted no time in leaving his mark on the international stage.

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Lacklustre Lewandowski fails to spark

With Piatek's emergence, Poland may have a promising foil to Lewandowski, but the Bayern Munich man is still their key player, but other than a half-sighting of goal early on, the centurion never stamped his authority on proceedings.

What's next?

While Portugal travels to Glasgow to face Scotland in a friendly, Poland continues its Nations League campaign with a home game against Italy.