Malta 2-3 Poland Player Ratings: Poland Seal Narrow Win in Thrilling Clash

Poland emerged with a hard-fought 3–2 victory over a fiercely determined Malta side in a dramatic World Cup Qualification Europe fixture at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium. In a match defined by relentless tempo and defensive vulnerabilities on both ends, both teams delivered a spectacle that kept supporters on edge until the final whistle.

Robert Lewandowski put Poland ahead with a typically clinical finish, but Malta responded impressively. Irvin Cardona equalised before halftime, sparking celebrations among the home supporters and shifting the momentum firmly in Malta’s favour heading into the break.

The second half brought even greater intensity. Paweł Wszołek restored Poland’s advantage, only for Teddy Teuma to bring Malta level once again from the penalty spot following a clumsy defensive challenge. For a moment, the hosts looked poised to claim a memorable point.

Here are Sportsdunia’s Malta vs Poland Player Ratings from the World Cup Qualifier:

Malta Player Ratings vs Poland

Check out Malta Player Ratings from Malta vs Poland game:

Goalkeeper

Henry Bonello - 6.0: A tough night for the Maltese keeper. He couldn't do much about the three goals he conceded, they were all well-taken finishes. What stood out to us was his distribution, which was a bit hit-and-miss. He made one key save but perhaps could have commanded his area better on a couple of occasions. He looked a little shaken after the third goal went in.

Defenders

Ryan Camenzuli - 6.0: He had a difficult evening dealing with Poland's wide players. He did get forward to support the attack, even registering a shot on target. However, defensively he was stretched and was part of a backline that conceded three goals. He made a few important clearances but was also caught out of position sometimes. A tireless effort, but one with mixed results.

Gabriel Mentz - 6.0: He was a warrior at the back before being substituted. We noticed he threw himself into challenges and made an impressive seven clearances. He read the game well for the most part, but the pace and movement of the Polish attack was a constant problem. His withdrawal seemed to be due to fatigue after a huge effort.

Kurt Shaw - 6.5: A solid and composed performance from Shaw. What impressed us was his 100% pass completion, a rare feat for a defender under pressure. He made two crucial blocked shots and won most of his aerial duels. He was one of Malta's more reliable defenders, though he was part of a unit that ultimately shipped three goals.

Zach Muscat - 6.5: He looked very assured in the first half and made some vital interventions. His stats show he won all of his duels before he was forced off with an injury early in the second half. It was a real shame, as his presence was missed. From our perspective, Malta looked more vulnerable after he departed the pitch.

Midfielders

Matthew Guillaumier - 7.0: The captain led by example with a battling performance in the middle of the park. He was everywhere, breaking up play and trying to drive his team forward. He made some key tackles and recoveries, showing real heart for the fight. His passing was mostly tidy and he never shied away from the physical battle against a strong Polish midfield.

Joseph Mbong - 5.5: A really quiet first half from the midfielder, and it was no surprise to see him hooked at halftime. He struggled to get into the game or make any real impact on the proceedings. We noticed he lost possession seven times in just 45 minutes and looked off the pace. A disappointing outing for a player we know can offer so much more.

Teddy Teuma - 7.5: He was a driving force for Malta until his substitution. He showed immense composure to slot home the penalty and bring his team level again. His work rate was phenomenal, covering so much ground and winning the ball back eight times. He picked up a yellow card, but it was a sign of his commitment. He was a real leader out there.

Ilyas Chouaref - 8.0: He was simply electric. Every time he got the ball, you felt something was about to happen. His seven successful dribbles and three key passes only tell part of the story. What stood out to us was his sheer, unadulterated confidence. He ran at the Polish defence without fear and was Malta's brightest creative spark all night. A mesmerizing performance that had defenders on their heels.

Alexander Satariano - 6.5: He worked tirelessly, running the channels and trying to make things happen. His five successful dribbles show how willing he was to take players on. However, his final product was sometimes lacking. He got a yellow card for a frustrated challenge but never stopped trying for his team. A gutsy, if not always polished, performance.

Forwards

Irvin Cardona - 8.0: What a performance from the lone striker. He was a constant thorn in Poland's side. He showed great poacher's instincts to be in the right place for his goal. Then, he displayed immense skill and composure to win the penalty that led to the second goal. We noticed his tireless running off the ball created so much space. A complete forward's display.

Substitutes

Adam Magri Overend - 6.0: Came on at halftime and provided fresh legs, but struggled to make a decisive impact.

Juan Corbalan - 6.0: Replaced the injured Muscat and did his best to shore up the defence.

Enrico Pepe - N/A: Came on too late to make a significant impact.

Paul Mbong - N/A: Brought on for the final stretch but had little time to influence the game.

Trent Buhagiar - N/A: A late cameo with not enough time to warrant a rating.

Manager

E. De Leo - 7.0: From our perspective, he got his tactics spot on. He set his team up to be brave and take the game to a superior opponent. His side showed incredible heart and fight, twice coming from behind. The substitutions were logical, even if they didn't change the final result. He can be incredibly proud of his team's performance despite the heartbreaking loss.

Poland Player Ratings vs Malta

Check out Poland Player Ratings from Malta vs Poland World Cup Qualifier:

Goalkeeper

Bartlomiej Dragowski - 7.5: He made five saves, including a couple of crucial ones to keep his team in the lead. He couldn't do anything about the two goals conceded; one a close-range scramble and the other a penalty. His command of his box was generally good, and he recovered the ball 11 times. A reliable and solid performance when his team needed him.

Defenders

Przemysław Wiśniewski - 5.5: A really shaky performance. He picked up a yellow card within the first five minutes for a clumsy foul. He looked uncomfortable throughout and was dribbled past twice. It felt like a matter of time before he made a bigger mistake, and he was rightly substituted in the second half. Not his finest hour.

Tomasz Kedziora - 6.5: The most solid member of the Polish backline. He was tidy in possession with 93% passing accuracy and made a few important clearances and tackles. However, he was still part of a defence that looked vulnerable and conceded two goals to a team they should have dominated. He did his job without being spectacular.

Jakub Kiwior - 6.0: A very mixed bag. On the ball, he was excellent, with 95% pass accuracy. He looked composed trying to play out from the back. Defensively, though, he seemed vulnerable. Giving away the penalty was a clumsy and costly error that put his team under immense pressure. He needs to improve the defensive side of his game to reach the next level.

Midfielders

Piotr Zieliński - 9.0: Simply sensational. This was a masterclass in midfield creativity. He pulled all the strings for Poland, dictating the tempo from start to finish. His assist for the third goal was sublime, but to then step up and score that stunning winner from outside the box... that is world-class. With four key passes, a goal, and an assist, he was the undisputed man of the match.

Pawel Wszolek - 7.5: He had a very effective game out wide. He took his goal well, showing good instincts to be in the right position to restore his team's lead. He was a constant outlet on the wing and put in a decent defensive shift too. His substitution was a little surprising given his impact on the game.

Bartosz Slisz - 7.0: A really tidy and controlled performance in the heart of midfield. He kept the ball moving with 90% pass accuracy and created three chances for his teammates. He was also solid defensively, winning four duels and making two tackles. He provided a great platform for the more attacking players to shine before he was substituted.

Michal Skoras - 7.5: What stood out to us was his incredible energy and tenacity. He was a whirlwind of activity, winning a staggering nine duels and drawing five fouls. He also provided the assist for what was nearly the third goal. While sometimes his final product was missing, his sheer effort and determination were crucial for his team.

Forwards

Robert Lewandowski - 8.5: The main man delivered yet again. He opened the scoring with a trademark header, showing his class. His hold-up play was immaculate, bringing teammates into the game throughout. He then turned provider, laying on a clever assist for Wszolek's goal. He led the line with authority and was a constant menace for the Maltese defence.

Jakub Kaminski - 6.5: A bit of a frustrating night for the young attacker. He worked hard and got into some good positions but his final ball and shot were often lacking. He seemed to snatch at his chances. You can't fault his effort, but he'll be disappointed he didn't contribute a goal or an assist.

Nicola Zalewski - 6.0: A pretty anonymous first half from the talented winger. He picked up a yellow card and was largely on the periphery of the action. He was substituted at halftime, which said everything about his lack of impact on the game. A day to forget for him.

Substitutes

Karol Swiderski - 7.0: Came on at halftime and made an immediate impact, providing more energy and directness. He had a goal correctly disallowed by VAR but was a constant threat.

Bartosz Bereszynski - 6.0: Brought on to provide more defensive stability and did his job adequately.

Bartosz Kapustka - N/A: Not enough time to make an impact.

Kamil Grosicki - N/A: A late sub with little time to influence the match.

Filip Rózga - N/A: Came on in stoppage time.

Manager

J. Urban - 6.5: His team got the three points, which is the most important thing. His attacking setup caused problems, and his halftime substitution of Swiderski was a masterstroke. However, he will be very concerned about how easily his defence was breached by Malta. The team looked vulnerable and disjointed at the back, which is something he needs to fix urgently.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match goes to Piotr Zielinski.