Poland 'go straight' to World Cup, Denmark play play-off

Lewandowski scored in Poland's 4-2 win over Montenegro in their final Group E match.

Lewandowski scored an important goal after Poland equalized. Photo: Reuters.

Goals: Maczynski 6', Grosicki 16', Lewandowski 85', Stojkovic 87' - Mugosa 78', Tomasevic 83'

Poland can decide the top spot in the final round if they avoid defeat against Montenegro. This is within Poland's reach because they are playing at home and their morale is high after a resounding 6-1 victory over Armenia in the previous round. Meanwhile, Montenegro need a win to maintain their hopes of reaching the play-offs.

The home team started brilliantly with two goals in just 16 minutes from Krzysztof Maczynski and Kamil Grosicki. It seemed that this was a safe distance for Poland, but Montenegro's determination in the final minutes made the "White Eagles" sweat.

In the 78th minute, Stefan Mugosa volleyed from inside the 16m50 box into the Polish net. Just five minutes later, the away team equalized thanks to a 20m strike from Zarko Tomasevic.

Poland celebrates victory in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Photo: Reuters.

Montenegro's efforts to equalise were quickly squandered by the defence in the final minutes. First, a weak back pass from centre-back Nemanja Mijuskovic allowed Lewandowski to restore Poland's lead, before defender Filip Stojkovic scored an own goal to seal a 4-2 win for the hosts.

In the same match, Denmark failed to beat Romania despite playing at home. The 1-1 draw left Denmark with 20 points, five points behind Poland and will enter the play-off round.

According to VNE