The short version
- Robert Lewandowski scored three goals to lead Poland past Romania in a commanding display.
- Edin Dzeko concluded his international career with a ceremonial send-off after a draw against Sweden.
- Belgium and Hungary secured victories in their respective groups, shifting standings in the competition.
Robert Lewandowski marked another milestone in his lengthy international career by scoring three goals as Poland defeated Romania six to zero in UEFA Nations League action. The match, played in Warsaw, saw the Polish side dismantle a Romanian team that was reduced to ten men early in the contest. Tottenham defender Radu Dragusin, currently on loan at Fiorentina, received a red card in the twenty-second minute, leaving his side vulnerable for the remainder of the game.
Lewandowski, now thirty-eight years old, opened the scoring from the penalty spot and added a second goal shortly after the interval. His performance culminated in a third strike, completing his seventh hat-trick for the national team. The former Barcelona forward has now reached ninety-two international goals, reinforcing his status as one of the most prolific scorers in football history. Poland’s victory keeps them in third place in Group B4, while Romania remains at the bottom of the table.
The Romanian managerial situation continues to face scrutiny following this result. Gheorghe Hagi, who is in his second stint as head coach, became the first manager in Romania’s history to lose his first three competitive matches. The heavy defeat underscores the challenges facing the national team under his leadership, with no immediate signs of improvement in their recent performances.
In a separate match within the same group, emotional scenes unfolded in Zenica as Edin Dzeko retired from international football. The forty-year-old striker, formerly of Manchester City, played in Bosnia-Herzegovina’s one-one draw against Sweden. Although he appeared to score late in the first half, the goal was disallowed because the ball had gone out of play during the buildup. His final appearance was marked by significant fan support and official recognition.
Fans celebrated Dzeko’s contributions with fireworks after just eleven minutes, honoring his number eleven jersey on his one hundred fifty-second cap. He received a standing ovation when substituted in the sixty-second minute. The celebrations extended beyond the pitch, featuring an official ceremony, a guard of honor, and a drone display showing messages of gratitude. Dzeko completed a lap of honor while being showered with soft toys from the crowd, capping off a career that included seventy-three goals for his country.
The match itself saw Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres give Sweden an early lead. However, Bosnia-Herzegovina managed to equalize through Kerim Alajbegovic, securing a point in Dzeko’s farewell game. The result leaves both teams with mixed fortunes in the group standings, though the focus remained firmly on the veteran forward’s departure from the international stage.
Elsewhere in the competition, Belgium strengthened their position in Group A1 with a three-zero victory over Turkey. Kevin de Bruyne was instrumental in the win, scoring twice for Napoli. The thirty-five-year-old midfielder found the net once in each half, setting up Romelu Lukaku to add a third goal. This performance moved Belgium up to second place in their group, highlighting their continued competitiveness in the tournament.
Hungary also secured a positive result, defeating Georgia one-zero in Budapest. Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez scored the decisive goal, marking Hungary’s first Nations League win of the current campaign. The victory places them third in Group B2, trailing leaders Northern Ireland by three points. These results collectively shape the mid-tournament landscape, with several teams vying for favorable positioning ahead of the final stages.
The round of matches demonstrated both the enduring impact of veteran players and the shifting dynamics within the Nations League groups. Lewandowski’s continued excellence contrasts with the struggles faced by Romania under Hagi, while Dzeko’s retirement marks the end of an era for Bosnia-Herzegovina. As the competition progresses, these outcomes will influence qualification prospects and group standings in the coming weeks.
Looking ahead, teams must navigate the remaining fixtures to secure their positions in the league structure. Poland’s dominant win boosts their confidence, while Romania faces urgent questions regarding tactical direction. Belgium’s rise and Hungary’s breakthrough offer hope for their respective campaigns, setting the stage for a competitive conclusion to the Nations League season.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Lewandowski, 38, hits hat-trick in 6-0 Poland win
