Poland pull the rug from under Slovakia
Sunday, May 23, 2010
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Poland 1-0 Slovakia
Ariel Borysiuk scored the only goal as Slovakia's chance of a finals place evaporated in Tegelen.
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Ariel Borysiuk's 18th-minute goal gave Poland a first win of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship elite round in their final Group 6 fixture.
Having lost against Germany and hosts the Netherlands in their opening fixtures, Michal Globisz's side at least ended their campaign on a high note, taking charge at the outset against Slovakia and breaking the deadlock through Legia Warszawa midfielder Borysiuk's shot from distance. However, their chances of pressing for more goals took a knock after Zagłębie Lubin midfielder Adrian Błąd was shown a second yellow card for dissent 12 minutes into the second period.
Slovakia, who might have won the section with a resounding victory, fared better against ten men and Jozef Dolny missed a great chance just after the hour. However, Poland might have scored a second 13 minutes from time when captain Tomasz Hołota's shot struck the post before being gathered by goalkeeper Pavol Bajza. Victory did not lift Poland off the foot of the section, while Slovakia finished second, a point ahead of Germany.