Karavayev cancels out Swierczok’s opener as Poland draw 1-1 with Russia at the Estadio Municipal de Breslavia

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A rotated Poland side put in a good shift but mistakes and errors leading to chances for Russia are the main talking points heading into the friendly against Iceland in a week’s time.

The White and Reds started brilliantly and after only four minutes found themselves in front. Mateusz Klich’s pass found the run of Przemysław Frankowski who neatly passed it into the path of Jakub Świerczok who slotted the ball into the back of the net.

A few minutes later, Klich once more was involved in a move as he tried to pick out one of his teammates in white but was unable to do so as the Russian defence was able to clear.

Aleksei Miranchuk searched for the path of Artem Dzyuba with the towering forward waiting for a chance, however, Michał Helik was quickly at the scene and got in front of the Russian captain to clear the ball away.

In the 21st minute, Stanislav Cherchesov’s men were back on level terms. Aleksandr Golovin played a delightful ball to the back post which saw Vyacheslav Karavayev tap the ball in between the legs of Łukasz Fabiański to level the game at 1-1.

Poland were able to attack through Dawid Kownacki minutes after conceding. The forward released the ball a little bit too far which allowed Russia to clear their lines. The ball went only as far as Klich on the edge of the box with the midfielder releasing a shot on goal, but his effort went over the bar.

Świerczok did have a chance to restore Paulo Sousa’s side the lead after he saw Anton Shunin off his line. The forward’s shot cannoned off the top of the crossbar to the relief of the Russian shot-stopper.

Karol Świderski was another player to have a chance. The ball was played into the forward but his header was too weak and straight at Shunin allowing the goalkeeper to make an easy save.

Dzyuba had the final chance of the first-half as he found the ball inside the box. His shot went well wide of Fabianski’s goal as the referee blew his whistle for half-time.

It was more of the same in the second 45 minutes as chances came and went. Dzyuba did fantastically to hold the ball up and pass the ball onto Golovin but his shot was over.

Tymoteusz Puchacz had a chance to shot from the free-kick, however, it was another shot that was unable to find the target as it went over Shunin’s goal.

There were only three shots on target throughout the 90 minutes as chances were limited with both defensive units doing very well to shut out opposition attackers.

Both sides will take positive from their performances as Poland now prepare to welcome Iceland for their final friendly ahead of Euro 2020 with Russia welcoming Bulgaria in their final encounter ahead of the European Championships.

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