Pogoń Szczecin has had quite a difficult period. It is not even known whether it is already a thing of the past, because team Robert Kolendowicz cannot stabilize his form. When it seemed that after winning against Legia she could fight for the highest goals, then she managed to lose against GKS Katowice, Motor Lublin or Radomiak Radom. A place in the middle of the table certainly does not satisfy fans who want to finally win a trophy. After the disgrace in the last edition of the Polish Cup, it seems that the Szczecin team is doing everything it can to redeem itself.
Kamil Grosicki showed his class. Pogoń Szczecin is in the quarterfinals after a heroic match
Pogoń has so far eliminated Stal Rzeszów and Odra Opole, but the most difficult challenge awaited them on Wednesday. Even though Zagłębie had quite easy rivals on the way to the 1/8 finals (Podbeskidzie, Warta Poznań), and had only scored a point in the last three league matches, it could not be underestimated. Before the players heard the referee's first whistle, impressive scenes could be seen in the stands. “These colors oblige us to fight constantly,” it was written on the banner. Fans also honored the memory of the deceased Rafał Piotrowski.
The beginning definitely belonged to the motivated hosts. They had the ball for a long time in the first quarter, but there were no clear opportunities to score a goal. They created this goal in the 19th minute, and Kamil Grosicki probably finished it off. – Pogoń can always count on its captain – said the commentator game Mateusz Borek. Five minutes later it was already 2-0, and this time the brilliant one was 17-year-old Adrian Przyborek, who ran with the ball several dozen meters, played it to Gorgon, who passed it to Biczachczian, who defeated Burić.
The 18-year-old is the hero of Pogoń. “An unforgettable evening in the Polish Cup”
At the end of the first period, Leo Borges acted irresponsibly and fouled Tomasz Pieńka in the penalty area. The referee originally indicated that the game should continue, but after consulting the VAR car, he indicated that the game should go to eleven. Pieńko took it upon himself and scored a contact goal. Nothing changed until the break, but Marcin Włodarski made three changes that were supposed to bring some freshness to the pitch.
However, in the 50th minute, the hosts score the third goal. Once again, Przyborek played a significant role as he shot the ball hard into the opponent's penalty area, and Gorgon found it well. A moment later, Pogoń could have closed the match, but in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper, Biczachczian hit Burić. Kamil Grosicki couldn't believe it, especially since he practically worked out the whole situation himself.
What Pogoń failed to achieve, the guests succeeded in doing. Tomasz Pieńko was well released by one of the partners and then crossed the ball on the ground into the penalty area. And then Kurminowski behaved brilliantly. He overtook the unfortunate intervention of Benedikt Zech and then beat the goalkeeper. The 25-year-old came on during the break and it was clearly his day, as he scored for the second time in the 77th minute. But he did it in an incredible way, because he hit the football… with the back of his head.
When everything indicated that we would see extra time, Kamil Grosicki once again proved his class. After an individual action, he crossed the ball into the penalty area, where one of the partners skidded, but the ball fell at the feet of Paryzek, who managed to score the fourth goal. – I have the impression that even if there is a reserve, high octane is used – commented Marcin Żewłakow. – An unforgettable evening in the Polish Cup – summed up Mateusz Borek.
Polish Cup, Pogoń Szczecin – Zagłębie Lubin 4:3 (2:1)
- Goals: Grosicki (19'), Biczachczian (24'), Gorgon (50'), Paryzek (88') – Pieńko (44'), Kurminowski (62', 77')
Apart from Pogoń, the following teams have already entered the quarter-finals of the Polish Cup: Piast Gliwice, Puszcza Niepołomice, Korona Kielce and Polonia Warszawa, which eliminated the defending champion Wisła Kraków after penalty kicks. There are still two matches left to be played in this stage: ŁKS – Legia and Olimpia Grudzi±dz – Jagiellonia.