Poland (3) v (7) Nigeria
Poland lost to Nigeria 7-3 at Melbourne pitch on Thursday morning after a very tight first half.
Poland (3) v (7) Nigeria
By Eleni Psaltis
POLAND lost to Nigeria 7-3 at Melbourne pitch on Thursday morning after a very tight first half.
Nigeria were handed early possession after Poland failed to keep a player in their attacking half. Under Homeless World Cup rules at least one player must remain in the opposition half at all times.
The free kick was intercepted in defence by Poland but their counter-attack failed to deliver.
Both goalkeepers ensured a to-and-fro match with daring saves and creative set-ups down the wings.
It was an even first half with no goal in sight until the fourth minute when Nigeria's Shola Jacob scored from the right wing.
This boosted the morale of the Nigerian side with two more goals netted before the whistle.
In the second half Poland was determined to make a comeback - scoring two early goals.
But Poland struggled to maintain focus, with its attackers giving easy balls away.
Nigeria took advantage and scored four more goals. Substitutions by Poland did not close the gap, and Nigeria moved to top of the table in the secondary group B.
Photos: Photoworx