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The Polish campaign in the European Championship ended after the group stage - one of the tournament hosts lost 0-1 to the Czech Republic in a crucial match and finished in last place in Group A.
The impressive support of the hosts did not inspire victory (Reuters)
Meanwhile, the Czechs climbed to the top of the tournament table and will face Greece, who sensationally took second place, in the quarterfinals.
Before the match, the Poles knew that only a victory would guarantee a ticket to the quarterfinals, so they pressured the opponents from the first minute. They were supported by fans in the stands, who unfolded a giant Polish flag worth almost 20,000 euros.
The Poles did not match their opponents (AFP). It seemed like the goal was within reach. Robert Lewandowski had a great opportunity in the first half, but under pressure from defender Gebre Selassie, he missed the target. Ludovic Obraniak had several dangerous shots, and after one of his attempts, the first to react, Sebastian Boenisch, missed the goal.
However, after withstanding the first wave, the Czechs gradually took control and started dominating the field. This was especially noticeable in the second half when, with the score changed, only victory was necessary for the Czech Republic in Warsaw.
Initially, the hosts defended well - Przemyslaw Tyton saved a header from Tomas Sivok, and Selassie was inaccurate, but in the 72nd minute, the ball fell into the net.
