The World Cup qualification is entering the decisive phase.
There is a lot at stake for Robert Lewandowski and his Poles - but there were harrowing scenes against Albania.
Tirana - From the point of view of FC Bayern München *, everything went well during this international break: the stars are all returning to Säbener Straße in good health.
Only at Manuel Neuer had it tweaked in the meantime, the goalkeeper missed the DFB game against Romania on Friday.
In the 4-0 win over North Macedonia he was back between the posts on Monday.
Another player, who had always stayed with his club during these phases, was also able to look forward to an invitation this time: Bouna Sarr.
The transfer flop celebrated its international debut for Senegal at the age of 29.
Robert Lewandowski's first trip to the national team, however, was quite a while ago - on September 10, 2008 he played for Poland's A team for the first time, followed by 125 games.
He won't forget the last one so far anytime soon.
Why?
What happened?
Robert Lewandowski: Bayern star had to play against Albania with Poland
Poland is currently fighting in Group I for the ticket to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
England are the biggest rivals for first place, the Three Lions continue to lead the table - despite losing points in the 1-1 draw against Hungary.
Against this background, the Polish victory over Albania was all the more important: The team around Bayern-Knipser Lewandowski * prevailed 1-0 and pushed past the opponent.
World Cup qualification: Current status in Group I.
country | Games | Points |
1. England | 8th | 20th |
2. Poland | 8th | 17th |
3. Albania | 8th | 15th |
4. Hungary | 8th | 11 |
The respective group winners qualify directly for the finals, the second must go to the playoffs. So it was clear before this matchday on Tuesday evening: There is a lot going on for all teams. Accordingly, the mood at the Poland game in the Albanian capital Tirana was heated from the start. It was 0-0 for a long time, Lewandowski did not want the redeeming goal for his Poles *. In the 77th minute he cheered after the golden 1-0 of the recently substituted Karol Swiderski.
Of course, the Albanian supporters didn't like that at all, they immediately threw objects at the Polish players who were celebrating the goal.
Bottles and lighters flew onto the square - unsightly scenes!
Lewandowski was right in the middle of the jubilation grape, even asking the supporters with hand movements to stop throwing.
Fortunately, neither he nor his colleagues were injured - they still had to take one or two bottle hits.
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Robert Lewandowski (left) and his teammates were pelted with bottles in Albania.
© Newspix / Imago
Albania versus Poland: fans throw bottles on the lawn - Bayern star Lewandowski right in the middle
The last time there was a similar incident in France, the game between Nice and Marseille was ultimately even canceled.
And even in Tirana, after the scandalous moment, the game was not played any further.
The Poles and their coach Paulo Sousa complained loudly to referee Clement Turpin about the throwing attacks by the Albanian fans.
According to the AP news agency, a Polish official finally called on the players to leave the pitch.
Both teams then disappeared into the dressing room, Turpin interrupted the game.
After a break of around 20 minutes, the match could be continued.
According to the AP, the stadium announcer pointed out to the audience that the game could be abandoned in the event of further incidents and scored against Albania.
So the remaining minutes could still be completed - without major incidents.
Bayern * coach Julian Nagelsmann will be fine: His protégé returns to Munich safe and sound and with a good starting position for the remaining World Cup qualification.
Lewandowski will meet again next Sunday - the top game against Leverkusen is on the program.
(akl / dpa) * tz.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA
List of rubric lists: © Newspix / Imago
