Poland has become the first team to be eliminated from Euro 2024, following a 0-0 draw between the Netherlands and France on Friday night.
Earlier in the evening, Poland suffered a 3-1 defeat against Austria, sealing their fate in the tournament.
Despite having one remaining game against France in Dortmund on Tuesday, even a win would only leave Poland with three points, which is insufficient to lift them above fourth place in Group D.
Austria could also end up with just three points if they lose to the Netherlands on Tuesday.
However, even if Poland finishes with a better goal difference, they would still rank below Austria due to UEFA’s head-to-head tiebreaker rule, which supersedes goal difference in cases where teams are level on points.
Meanwhile, both France and the Netherlands have already secured four points each, solidifying their positions in the group.
Poland was always seen as an underdog in Group D, which had been labeled the ‘group of death’ due to the formidable competition.
Their situation worsened when star striker Robert Lewandowski was ruled out of the opening match due to a thigh injury.
Lewandowski, who plays for Barcelona, managed to participate in the final 30 minutes against Austria but made minimal impact, touching the ball only eight times and failing to take a shot.
Despite his return, the Polish captain could not prevent the defeat, leaving Polish supporters disheartened.
This marks Poland’s third group stage exit in the last four European Championships.
They had previously reached the quarter-finals in 2016, where they lost to Portugal on penalties, and the round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, losing 3-1 to France.
At 39 in four years, Lewandowski is unlikely to play in another European Championship.
However, he has expressed a desire to remain available for the national team as long as he continues his club career, making it possible for him to feature in the 2026 World Cup.
