Hoping to join Villa teammate Emi Martínez in the World Cup quarter-finals was Matty Cash and Jan Bednarek whose Poland side took on France in Doha. Here’s how things unfolded in the Qatari capital…
As has been the case for all of the tournament so far, Matty Cash would start this fixture, while Jan Bednarek took his place among the substitutes. Poland were the underdogs heading into the tie, with a talent-filled France team their round of sixteen opposition.
There were very few chances inside the opening 20 minutes – Ousmane Dembele’s effort was the only attempt on goal. The Barcelona winger done well to cut inside down the right, but his shot was tame and Wojciech Szczęsny dealt with it comfortably.
The game seemed to liven up for the remainder of the half and there were numerous chances at either end. Superstar Kylian Mbappé had an opportunity from a narrow angle saved by Szczęsny, while Poland had a flurry of efforts blocked by the French back-line. Olivier Giroud would break the deadlock just before half time with a well taken finish on his weaker right foot. Half time: 1-0.
Matty Cash, despite conceding, had a very respectable half up against Mbappé. The PSG talisman occasionally got the better of the right back, but on the whole Villa’s No.2 handled him well. Cash got forward down the right a couple of times too and even registered a shot in the 35th minute. His strike was poorly executed however and steered wide of Hugo Lloris’s goal.
In need of a goal, Czesław Michniewicz sent his Polish side out with more of an attacking intent and freedom. This would prove troublesome in the 66th minute when Oliver Giroud had a clear sight of goal from a counter-attack, but the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker couldn’t hit the target from close range.
Biało-czerwoni (The White-Reds) struggled in the final third and failed to carve out an opportunity for the likes of Robert Lewandowski or substitute Arkadiusz Milik. Mbappe on the other hand, found it somewhat easy. The 23 year-old bagged his fourth goal of the World Cup in the 74th minute with a fine hit into the top left corner – Szczęsny stood no chance.
Jan Bednarek entered the fray in the 87th minute for his first few minutes of the tournament. Moments later, Cash picked up a yellow card for a foul on substitute Marcus Thuram. Kylian Mbappe secured his brace shortly after, bending the ball into the top right corner – spectacular strike for 3-0. Game over.
Matty Cash looked very tired in the closing stages. It had been a difficult tournament for the former Forest man with battles against the likes of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, but he can hold his head high and be proud of his first World Cup performance. The game finished 3-0 and Poland crash out in Doha.
PLAYER RATINGS
Jan Bednarek – 6
MATTY CASH | TWITTER
UP NEXT
Sadly with this result, Poland are eliminated from the 2022 Qatar World Cup and there will be no more Villa Watch coverage on Matty Cash and Jan Bednarek. The duo will head back to England now and take a break. The pair are unlikely to be travelling with the rest of the Villa squad to Abu Dhabi for the mid-season trip.
Czesław Michniewicz will be proud of his team’s performance against France and in the competition in general. Les Blues will now face England in the quarter finals as they seek to retain their World Cup title.
AUTHOR | LIAM DAVIES
Author’s UTV PODCAST archive liamayrtondavies – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
DONATE
UTVPODCAST | An Aston Villa Blog— is now accepting small donations, which will help to support the site’s ongoing evolution.
Thank you so much for your support.
UTV PODCAST HQ | LATEST NEWS
SUBSCRIBE
Enjoying this article – then please subscribe to UTVPODCAST | An Aston Villa Blog to help us grow and support the site; you’ll receive instant email notifications of all released article.
Plus, it’s completely free.
PARTNERS
UTVPODCAST is pleased to partner with Fanatics. Throughout the season, we will bring you special offers and discount codes.
KITBAG
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook and Twitter readers, click the respective icon below to follow our utvpodcast social media accounts.
