Poland thrash Romania 6-0 in Nations League as Dragusin sees red

Poland defeated Romania 6-0 in Warsaw on Friday in the third round of the Nations League. The match changed in the 22nd minute when Radu Dragusin was sent off for a last-man foul on Robert Lewandowski, who converted the resulting penalty.

Lewandowski added a second goal in the 47th minute after a pass from Nicola Zalewski. Three minutes later, Zalewski's cross was deflected into his own net by Romanian defender Ghita. Piotr Zielinski made it 4-0 in the 62nd minute before Jan Bednarek headed in a corner. Lewandowski completed his hat-trick in the 86th minute for the final score.

“Practically, we occupied the pitch closer to what zonal marking means than in other matches.”

Romania created early chances through Daniel Birligea and Alexandru Baluta, but goalkeeper Marcin Bulka saved both attempts. After the red card, Poland dominated and hit the woodwork through Sebastian Szymanski while Matty Cash missed the target. Ianis Hagi tested the Polish keeper twice in the second half without success.

The defeat leaves Romania bottom of the group with zero points and a goal difference of minus-12 after three matches. Former national team coach Cornel Dinu called it one of the darkest days in Romanian football history and questioned the Romanian Football Federation's decision to appoint Gheorghe Hagi as selector. Dinu urged fans to protest at Monday's home match against Sweden.

Polish media praised Lewandowski's vintage performance and Wiktor Nowak's consistent level. However, Karol Swiderski received harsh criticism for his display, with Weszlo rating him as the worst player on the pitch. Matty Cash and Jan Bednarek earned average ratings despite the comfortable victory.