Zelinsky: Luck helped me score the winning goal, I didn’t have to fight too much to avoid yellow cards

In the final round of the World Cup European Qualifiers early this morning, Poland defeated Malta 3-2 away from home. Polish midfielder Zelinski was interviewed after the game.

Zelinski scored the winning goal for Poland in the 85th minute. He first said: "I stopped the ball well and tried to shoot. With some luck and a deflection, it helped me because it was not a wonderful shot. But if you don't shoot, you can't score." The most important thing is of course that the team scored 3 points, but I am also very happy that I scored a goal."

Zelinski continued: "The coach reminded us that we must go all out in this game like we did against the Netherlands. We know that this will not be an easy game. This away game is very difficult and the stadium conditions. The pieces are not suitable for the game, but there is no point in complaining, because this condition is the same for both sides. According to my personal experience, I feel some pain in my legs and lower back, but I will recover from this game. The way our opponents play is a bit surprising, they are not afraid of ground cooperation. Several outstanding players did a very good job controlling the ball. "

Poland had already decided to participate in the World Cup play-offs before the game, and Zelinski would be suspended in the play-off semi-finals if he received another yellow card in this game. It was originally expected that Zelinski would take a rest in this game, but he still started and played the entire game. "I personally didn't participate in too many confrontations because I had the risk of being suspended if I received another yellow card. I didn't want to play too aggressively, but chose a more secure way of playing. This is also what we lack, which shows that when you are not committed enough, any opponent is difficult to deal with."