Portugal atop Nations League group after away win against Poland

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:27 am

Portugal's Bernardo Silva scored a fine individual goal as their new-look side recovered to win 3-2 away to Poland in the UEFA Nations League with an impressive performance on Thursday.

Andre Silva's strike and a Kamil Glik own goal put the European champions ahead by half-time, after Krzysztof Piatek had given Poland an early lead, and Bernardo Silva then got in the act early in the second half of the League A Group 3 game.

Poland substitute Jakub Blaszczykowski, making his 103rd appearance to become his country's most capped player, pulled a goal back but it was not enough for the hosts.

It was also an unhappy 100th Poland appearance for Robert Lewandowski, who barely had a touch of the ball.

After two games Portugal top the group with six points, while Poland and Italy have one apiece.

Rafa Silva and Andre Silva of Portugal celebrate after Poland's Kamil Glik conceded an own goal in their UEFA Nations League match.
Rafa Silva and Andre Silva of Portugal celebrate after Poland's Kamil Glik conceded an own goal in their UEFA Nations League match.
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Portugal, who are rebuilding their team after a second-round exit at the World Cup, left out a number of old favourites including Joao Moutinho, Jose Fonte and Ricardo Quaresma.

Captain and all-time leading scorer Cristiano Ronaldo was also absent by what coach Fernando Santos said was mutual consent, although he is expected to be recalled next year.

Piatek, scorer of nine goals in seven Serie A matches for Genoa this season, struck an early blow when he out-jumped Joao Cancelo at the far post to head Poland in front from a corner in the 18th minute.

But after that, it was mainly one-way traffic as Portugal took control.

Andre Silva levelled in the 31st minute, turning in Pizzi's low cross following a well-worked move down the right for his 14th goal in 29 appearances.

Ruben Neves set up the second with a majestic long ball from inside his own half which caught out the Polish defence.

Rafa Silva got on the end of it and his first touch took him past goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski before Glik put the ball into his own net.

Seven minutes after half-time, Bernardo Silva collected the ball near the touchline, jinked inside one marker, ran across the edge of the penalty area and scored with a low shot past Fabianski.

Portugal continued to dominate even after Blaszczykowski's goal and Renato Sanches was twice close to a fourth for the visitors.