Poland U19 secured a 2:1 victory over Slovakia U19 in a friendly international at the start of September. The match ended with a late goal from the visitors, who had trailed for most of the contest. Slovakia dominated possession but could not convert their control into a win.
The home side went ahead in the 30th minute, taking a lead that would hold for nearly an hour. Poland responded well, finding an equaliser in the 77th minute to level the score. By then the momentum had shifted, and Poland took the lead three minutes into stoppage time with a goal at 90+3'. And here's the thing — it was a result that reflected the evening's pattern rather than the statistics.
Slovakia had 54 per cent possession and made 87 attacks, but only managed three shots on target. Poland, with less control, registered 14 shots on target and won the match. To be fair, the hosts gave away too many cheap fouls, winning 17 free kicks compared to Poland's 15, but that did not create the chances they needed.
The visitors arrived in poor form, having lost their last two matches against Switzerland and Scotland. Their run of defeats had stretched back to March, when they suffered a 3:0 defeat to Scotland. This victory at least broke that sequence, even if the quality of the opposition was not the strongest.
Both sides received two yellow cards, and neither was sent off. Poland earned eight corners to Slovakia's five, and the visitors also had more throw-ins at 26 compared to 18. The match was decided in those final moments, when Slovakia's control finally let them down.
