Poland’s national football team has endured difficult years: frequent coaching changes, a shaky playing identity, and the withdrawal of its biggest star, Robert Lewandowski, from international duty. But at the start of September in Chorzów, things looked very different. Poland defeated Finland convincingly 3–1 in a World Cup qualifier, sending a strong signal: a new era has begun. For Finland’s Huuhkajat, who had beaten Poland earlier in qualifying and were nurturing hopes of a World Cup berth, the result was a bitter disappointment.

When Jan Urban was appointed head coach in summer 2025, many saw him as a stopgap. He succeeded Michał Probierz, who had clashed with Lewandowski. From the start, Urban made it clear that his task was to restore trust and unity. He met with senior players, calmed the dressing room, and did everything possible to bring the captain back.

Lewandowski’s return – captain and goalscorer

At the end of August it happened: Robert Lewandowski returned and reclaimed the captain’s armband. Symbolically, the comeback meant a lot, but on the pitch even more. Against Finland, Lewandowski scored his first goal of the season for the national side and proved he could still lead the attack. Finland looked like a clear underdog right until the final minutes, when Benjamin Källman scored a consolation goal and the team managed to create a couple of late chances.

On the night in Chorzów, Poland was clearly superior. The goals came from Matty Cash, Lewandowski, and Jakub Kamiński. Finland only narrowed the score at the end, but the match had been effectively decided long before that. Urban’s team looked organised, bold, and above all hungry. It seemed like a completely different side compared to last season’s chaotic displays.

Media reactions: euphoria, humour – and dismay

The Polish press was euphoric. Sport.pl highlighted Urban’s enthusiasm and almost childlike joy in the press conference, where he could hardly sit still. Przegląd Sportowy quipped that Finns could go back to their saunas and tell stories of the lesson Poland gave them on the pitch. Former Finnish international Mixu Paatalainen admitted that Lewandowski’s return made Finland’s defending far more difficult.

The Finnish media, however, were scathing. Yleisradio’s sports desk wrote: “A Finland without fighting spirit served up a pancake performance and once again collapsed in a key match.”

According to Polish commentators, the win was not just three points, but evidence of a real change in direction. Under Urban, the team has found a new tactical backbone, while Lewandowski’s return has restored authority and attacking power. If this continues, Poland could rise once again among Europe’s elite. Finland’s national team, on the other hand, has much soul-searching ahead. YLE journalist Samu Saatsi urged head coach Jacob Friis to make a clear generational shift in the squad.

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