In the early morning of March 9, Beijing time, FIFA officially announced that after consultation with UEFA and the participating FIFA member associations, the Polish men's football team directly advanced to the final of the European Zone play-off of the World Preliminary Round, which means that the Polish men's football team is only one step away from the Qatar World Cup.
Previously, FIFA and UEFA have jointly announced the suspension of the Participation of the Russian national team and clubs in all their competitions. As a result, the Russian men's national football team also lost the qualification to participate in the Qatar World Cup qualifier play-off.
In the European play-offs of the World Cup, Russia is in Group B with Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic. Russia, on the other hand, was supposed to compete with the Polish men's team for a place in the final of a play-off. However, because of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the Polish, Swedish and Czech football associations have clearly stated to FIFA that even if they put the venue in the middle, they refuse to participate, and Poland even prefers to give up the opportunity to participate in the World Cup and resolutely refuse to play with Russia. In the end, FIFA chose to ban Russia, allowing Poland to advance without a fight.
After Poland's direct promotion, they will compete against the winners of Sweden and the Czech Republic in the final to determine the only place in this group to reach the World Cup. With Poland advancing directly to the play-off finals, it is undoubtedly good news for the two-time World Footballer of the Year winner Lewandowski, who is only one game away from his second World Cup journey.
Bayern ace's national team career has participated in 3 European Championships and 1 World Cup, but he has not been able to perform too well. The Qatar World Cup may be his last chance to prove himself in the big game.