(GFWC Match 24) Brazil Hold Off a Late-Charging Poland

A Chapter by Steve Clark

The following articles highlight the process of Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and their demise from the governance of international football and the rise of Global Futbol.

June 22nd, 2018 (GFWC Match 24)

Brazil Hold Off a Late-Charging Poland

Brazil 3-2 Poland

Brazil has defeated Poland after going down a goal early thanks to a Lewandowski header, with three separate goal scorers.

Brazil’s goalkeeper Alisson returned to the side, and was pivotal in the game to hold off a plucky Pole side as the two battled for top placing in Group E by slotting home every shot on target.

Błaszczykowski was the first to attack the goals, only to miss high and to the left.

Two minutes later, it was Poland who scored first. Błaszczykowski’s corner superbly hit Lewandowski on the head between three Brazilian defenders and the ball sailed past Allison.

Brazil attacked immediately to level the score. It started with Neymar’s attack, only to be stopped by Szczęsny’s running out. Coutinho’s kick from the resulting corner found Man of the Match Thiago Silva jumping over Cionek. Willian’s run across goal must have blindsided Szczęsny, as his dive was too late and the Brazilians leveled.

Brazil then took the lead in the 22nd minute. The ball started with Neymar on the left wing. He cut it sideways to Coutinho, who left-footed onto Casemiro, who also left-footed the ball around Szczęsny and just inside the post.

Five minutes after, Lewandowski had a chance to grab a goal back. A cross that was slightly off still found him on the edge of the box. He collected the ball, steadied, only to seem to chip the ball straight over the goal.

From this moment on, the game became a series of counterattacks. It was Brazil who capitalised on one such counter attack. Jesus received the ball from Willian and powered down the middle towards goal. He fired slightly with the outside of his right boot and half-curled the ball around Szczęsny and into the goal.

After halftime, very little up forward occurred as the ball continued to remain box-to-box. Brazil had a slight advantage in the middle, but could not turn their lead beyond absolute doubt.

Jesus sprained his knee going for a challenge and was substituted immediately. We wait to see if he is available for the third game, or if he will be rested for the knockout stages.

Lewandowski missed a chance to score a brace, but Allison ran out and collected the ball in time. Then, as injury time approached, Poland won a free kick outside the box. Linetty tapped the ball across to Peszko, who fired with all his might. The ball crashed into the back of the net.

From the restart, the referee blew for the end of the game, and the Brazilians celebrated with their supporters long into the afternoon. This win almost confirms their spot in the Round of 16, whereas Poland needs to do well against fellow European side Cyprus to join the top-ranked side.