It was a real rollercoaster of emotions. The Polish national team was leading 2-0 against Scotland after the first half, but conceded two goals after the break. Goals by Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay secured a draw for the hosts. This lasted until the added time of the second half. Then Nicola Zalewski won a penalty, approached the ball placed at the eleventh meter and secured three points for the Poles.
Sad words about Zieliński. “A place on the bench”
– I have never played in such a creative formation in the national team. Sometimes we played with Sebek Szymański or Kacper Urbański, but (against Scotland – ed.) our center was the most creative, the best technically and the lightest. I smile when I talk about it, because it is great to play with technical midfielders. If you look at the Scots, they do not have such midfielders – he said after the meeting in an interview for TVP Sport.
This was Zieliński's first appearance this season. After swapping Naples for Milan in the summer, he has yet to make his debut for Inter Milan. Former Polish international and Udinese player Piotr Czachowski told WP Sports Facts had some comments related to Zieliński's playing.
– I'm afraid of what's ahead of us. If our team had played with someone better on Thursday, they wouldn't have won this match. We have shortcomings in defense. Individual players don't play in their clubs. Zieliński's presence in the central defensive midfielder position speaks for itself. Piotr was colorless. If he finds himself in the number six position again, we'll have a big problem. Croatia won't show Poland mercy. In my opinion, Zieliński won't cope – he admitted.
He added that although he is calm about the player's future in Milan, the coming weeks may be difficult for him. – At the moment, his place is on the bench, which he is certainly aware of. I say this with regret, because I am a fan of Piotr's talent. At first glance, you can see that he needs minutes in the club. Perhaps he would play better if he was placed higher up, but still not phenomenally. I have already mentioned that it will be extremely difficult for him to fight for a place in the starting line-up at Inter and it is confirmed. The thigh injury did not make the task any easier – he added.
Piotr Zieliński has played in the Polish national team since 2012. He has scored 12 goals in 94 matches. He has participated in three European Championship finals and two World Cups.