Swiderski Left Out Due to Substitution Error in Portugal Loss

Poland's 5-1 defeat against Portugal in the Nations League on Friday was overshadowed by an embarrassing error that prevented Karol Swiderski from having the chance to play from the bench. This blunder further complicated an already difficult week for the 27-year-old forward, who had traveled across the Atlantic from the United States to join the national team.

Just a few days earlier, Swiderski played a crucial role in Charlotte FC's MLS playoff clash against Orlando City. The striker scored during regular time but faced heartbreak in the penalty shootout when his attempt was saved, leading to Charlotte's elimination from the tournament. This disappointment would soon be overshadowed by the tumultuous events in Lisbon.

Poland faced an uphill battle right from the start when Sebastian Szymanski sustained an injury during the warm-up before the match, leading manager Michal Probierz to select Mateusz Bogusz as a last-minute substitute. This sudden alteration meant that Poland's bench was one player short, although the true implications of their substitution errors would only become apparent later in the game.

Portugal, energized by a passionate home crowd, seized control after a tightly contested and goalless first half. Rafael Leao broke the deadlock in the 67th minute with a precise shot, quickly followed by a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo that increased the score to 2-0 by the 72nd minute. In an effort to change the game's direction, Probierz looked to his bench, hoping Swiderski’s fresh energy could revitalize the offense.

However, chaos ensued when Swiderski approached the fourth official, who informed him that he was not eligible to play. The disbelief on the striker’s face was evident as he walked back to the bench, where Polish officials and UEFA representatives were engaged in intense discussions. The decision was quick and irreversible: Swiderski was removed from the technical area and could not take part in the match.

During the post-match press conference, spokesperson for the Polish Football Association, Emil Kopanski, offered an explanation: “Concerning the issue with Karol Swiderski, we want to inform you that due to a human error, he was not included on the team sheet. The player has already received an apology in the dressing room, thus the matter has been resolved.”

The administrative error added to an already discouraging evening for Poland, who were overwhelmed by a Portugal team operating at full capacity. Goals from Diogo Jota, João Félix, and a second strike from Ronaldo highlighted Portugal's superiority, turning Jakub Kiwior's late header into little more than a trivial detail in a decisive loss.

Portugal's win has guaranteed them the top position in Group A1 and a spot in the quarter-finals, leaving Poland's future dependent on their last group match against Scotland. To steer clear of relegation, Probierz's team must achieve at least a draw at home. The stakes are straightforward: any failure to perform against Scotland will result in Poland being relegated to League B, further complicating what has been a difficult season.

For Swiderski, the situation in Lisbon will be a painful reminder of how slight the differences can be between being prepared and making mistakes in international football. As Poland adjusts to the challenges that lie ahead, the message is clear: in the unforgiving world of elite soccer, even the tiniest blunders can have significant consequences.