Sweden beat Poland 3-2 to win Group E in EURO 2020

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Sweden won the UEFA EURO 2020 Group E, beating Poland 3-2 thanks to a very late winner netted by Viktor Claesson on Wednesday.

The Swedish team made a flying start to the match, scoring the opener in the second minute in Russia's Saint Petersburg Stadium.

Swedish left winger Emil Forsberg entered Poland's area to fire a left-footed low strike that beat Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

The minute 17 has seen a misfortune for the Polish team.

Poland missed an equalizer as the team star Robert Lewandowski hit the woodwork twice within seconds after Poland's corner kick delivered by Piotr Zielinski.

Lewandowski powered a header in the penalty area but he hit the bar. The 32-year-old, who was unmarked in the six yard box then, followed the rebound. However he hit the woodwork again.

Sweden led the first half 1-0.

In the minute 59, Sweden doubled the lead as Forsberg scored again.

Swedish winger Dejan Kulusevski dribbled the ball on a counter attack to assist Forsberg, who took a classy shot to beat Szczesny.

But Poland had a quick response as Lewandowski made it 1-2 for his nation in the 61st minute.

Lewandowski was on the edge of the penalty area to score with his individual skills. Sweden defenders Mikael Lustig and Victor Lindelof rushed to their area to avoid an easy chance but they could not block Lewandowski's curved shot.

The Polish star sent the ball into the far corner of Sweden's net.

Swedish goalie Robin Olsen did not reach it.

Poland did not give up. They pulled the level in the minute 84. The Swedish defense misjudged the cross of Przemyslaw Frankowski. Lewandowski had the control of the ball and was free in the center of Swedish area to score the equalizer.

Swedish midfielder Claesson named the result 3-2 for his country, scoring the winner in the 94th minute.

Claesson made a close range finish after Kulusevski's assist.

Sweden ended the group as leaders to be in the last 16, racking up seven points after three matches.

Spain were also through the next stage with five points.

Third-place Slovakia had three points and Poland got one in this phase.