Euro: Lewandowski looks to hit the target against Ukraine

Robert Lewandowski has yet to score at Euro 2016.

By AP

Published: Sun 19 Jun 2016, 9:58 PM

Last updated: Mon 20 Jun 2016, 12:03 AM

Robert Lewandowski is in some impressive company at the European Championship, for all the wrong reasons.
The Poland striker has yet to score at Euro 2016, joining the likes of Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo and Sweden forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic. But that doesn't matter to Lewandowski. He just wants to beat already-eliminated Ukraine on Tuesday and hopefully advance to the round of 16 from Group C.
"It would be good to get a goal, but I haven't had any chances," Lewandowski said after Poland's 0-0 draw with Germany. "I know how difficult it can be, and I'm often on my own up front. But it's not about statistics - it's about the team. I hope I will score against Ukraine, but more than that, I hope we win and go through."
In Euro 2016 qualifying, the 27-year-old Bayern Munich striker scored 13 times for his country.
Poland coach Adam Nawalka also is not concerned about his captain's scoring slump in France, saying Lewandowski's reputation as a world class striker means defenders concentrate on neutralizing his threat and that creates room for his teammates.
Germany and Poland both have four points after two matches in Group C. Northern Ireland is third with three.
The final group match against Ukraine at Stade Velodrome in Marseille looks like a good opportunity for Lewandowski to get his first goal.
Ukraine lost to both Germany and Northern Ireland 2-0 and wants to show its fans it can achieve something before heading home. But Poland has struggled recently against its Euro 2012 co-host - it hasn't beaten Ukraine in their last five meetings.
Ukraine coach Mykhailo Fomenko said his players were not psychologically ready for the match against Northern Ireland. "We're going to work on it in order to win the next game," Fomenko said.
Shaktar Donetsk midfielder Taras Stepanenko told UEFA's tournament website that Ukraine's players want to defend the honor of their country and themselves after the losses.
 "We are playing against our neighbors, Poland. It's a derby," Stepanenko said. "And of course we'd like to go home with some positive emotions. We'd like to play good football and get a result."
 

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AP

Published: Sun 19 Jun 2016, 9:58 PM

Last updated: Mon 20 Jun 2016, 12:03 AM

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