Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 10:55 PM• Daniel Cabot Kerkdijk • Last update: 23:24

England have made the first misstep in the qualifying phase for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after five wins in a row. A goal in extra time ended the game between Poland and England in Warsaw in 1-1 on Wednesday. Despite the loss of points, the team of national coach Gareth Southgate is still in good shape in Group I.

England had a hard time in Poland, where the nearly sixty thousand spectators hardly got any chances. The visitors had a slight predominance in the first half, although there was more danger when Poland was on the ball. After 72 minutes names the Three Lions the lead: it was Harry Kane who aimed the ball into the right corner from about thirty yards. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was surprised because his view was blocked by a defender.

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— Ziggo Sport Football (@ZS_Voetbal) September 8, 2021

Poland went looking for the equalizer and it came in the second minute of extra time. Robert Lewandowski subtly passed the ball from the left side of the box, then Damian Szymanski climbed high into the air and headed the ball into the right corner behind Jordan Pickford.

Only the number one in the group qualifies directly for the World Cup in Qatar. The numbers two from the ten different groups and the two best group winners from the 2020/21 Nations League who fall outside the top two of their World Cup qualifying group will participate in the play-offs. The total of twelve countries will be divided into three play-off paths, each containing two semi-finals over one match and one final. The home teams in the play-offs are determined by drawing lots, with the six best numbers two placed and therefore unable to meet. The winner of each path qualifies for the World Cup.