Road to Qatar: how Poland qualified for World Cup 2022 - in pictures

A look at how Robert Lewandowski and Co sealed their spot in the finals

HOW POLAND QUALIFIED FOR WORLD CUP 2022: (Group I): March 25, 2021. Hungary 3 (Sallai 6', Ad. Szalai 53', Orban 78') Poland 3 (Piatek 60', Jozwiak 61', Lewandowski 83'): Robert Lewandowski rescued a point for Poland in a thrilling opening match that saw the home team lose 2-0 and 3-2 leads. Poland manager Paulo Sousa said: "In first half we were too slow, we had no idea what to do with the ball. In the second half, it was better and we could have won the game." AFP

March 28, 2021. Poland 3 (Lewandowski 30', 55', Swiderski 88') Andorra 0: Robert Lewandowski scored for a 10th consecutive game for club and country as Poland eased to victory. Sousa said: "I want my players to create as many chances as possible. Of course we can play more safely sometimes, but in general I want my team to play quickly and with lot of creativity." AFP

March 31, 2021. England 2 (Kane pen 19', Maguire 85') Poland 1 (Moder 58'): A late Harry Maguire goal denied Poland a point at Wembley after Jakub Moder had levelled the scores following a John Stones error. “Seeing our players come off the pitch sad after the way they played in the second half, it’s a good way to think about our future," said Sousa. "We are in a good way and we need to keep going." Getty

September 2, 2021. Poland 4 (Lewandowski 12', Buksa 44', Krychowiak 54', Linetty 89') Albania 1 (Cikalleshi 25'): Lewandowski scored one and set up another as Poland thrashed Albania in Warsaw and climbed to second in the group. "There is a big difference between Robert's level and the others," said Sousa. "When we have the quality of Robert on the pitch, anything can happen in our favour." AFP

September 5, 2021. San Marino 1 (Nanni 48') Poland 7 (Lewandowski 4', 21', Swiderski 16', Linetty 44', Buksa 67', 90+2', 90+4'): Poland hit San Marino for seven, with Lewandowski, inevitably, scoring twice. Substitute Adam Buksa scored a hat-trick, including two in injury-time, to make it four goals in his first two games for Poland. AP

September 8, 2021. Poland 1 (Szymanski 90'+2) England 1 (Kane 72'): An injury-time header from substitute Damian Szymanski earned Poland a point in Warsaw, bringing England's 100 per cent record to an end. Sousa said: "The mentality of this team is constantly developing, growing and we are more and more aware of our strength. We knew pressing England could cause a lot of problems." Getty

October 9, 2021. Poland 5 (Swiderski 10', Brolli og 20', Kedziora 50', Buksa 84', Piatek 90+1') San Marino 0: Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski was given a guard of honour in his farewell game as Poland coasted to a comfortable victory. "We still have to develop. We started our journey in Hungary for the first game and this team has made progress," said Sousa. Reuters

October 12, 2021. Albania 0 Poland 1 (Swiderski 77'): The match in Tirana was suspended for over 20 minutes after home fans threw objects at Polish players after Karol Swiderski scored what turned out to be the winner. "After the goal there were full bottles flying in, so it was a bit dangerous, but we came back and finished the game," said Poland captain Lewandowski. Reuters

November 12, 2021. Andorra 1 (Vales 45') Poland 4 (Lewandowski 5',73', Jozwiak 11', Milik 45+2'): Another two goals from the relentless Lewandowski helped Poland ease to victory on the artificial surface in Andorra. It meant Poland were guaranteed at least a play-off spot with one game still to play. Reuters

November 15, 2021. Poland 1 (Swiderski 61') Hungary 2 (Schafer 37', Gazdag 80'): Lewandowski was rested as Poland fell to a surprise defeat as England secured the group's top spot after thrashing San Marino 10-0, finishing six points ahead of Sousa's team who were now focused on the play-offs. AFP

World Cup play-off: Tuesday, March 29. Poland 2 (Lewandowski pen 49', Zielinski 72') Sweden 0: Poland's place in the Qatar World Cup was sealed after goals from Lewandowski and Piotr Zielinski secured victory in Chorzow. "We had many problems before this match," said Lewandowski. "A lot of our players were injured, including me - I had a problem with my knee. We suffered, but now we can celebrate. I am proud and happy." AP

Any fears that the Qatar World Cup might be denied the presence of one of the great modern strikers were dispelled when Poland sealed their spot in the finals.

The Poles had finished second in Group I under manager Paulo Sousa, six points behind table-toppers England, meaning they would have to qualify via the play-offs.

It meant the presence of prolific Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski in the first Middle East finals was still far from guaranteed.

Their route was made easier when semi-final opponents Russia were disqualified from the tournament following the invasion of Ukraine.

That left Sweden standing in their way, and Poland made no mistake with Lewandowski, inevitably, on target to secure a place in Qatar.

Lewandowski finished as Poland's top scorer in the group stage with eight goals.

In Qatar, they have been drawn in Group C alongside Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Mexico.

In the gallery above, you can see how Poland qualified for the finals that kick off on November 20. To view the next image, click on the arrows or just swipe if on a mobile device.

Poland's fixtures in Qatar

November 22 Mexico v Poland – Stadium 974 (8pm)

November 26 Poland v Saudi Arabia – Education City Stadium (5pm)

November 30 Poland v Argentina – Stadium 974 (11pm)