Poland exited Euro 2024 with some dignity after a 1-1 draw against World Cup finalists France. The two goals in the game were both scored from the penalty spot, with Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona ace Robert Lewandowski each finding the back of the net.
Questions have been raised about why Lewandowski was allowed to retake his penalty after his initial effort was saved by the goalkeeper.
Sections of football fans were left confused on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, after Robert Lewandowski was allowed to retake his penalty during Poland’s final group game in Euro 2024, following his initial effort being saved.
Barcelona star Lewandowski stepped up to take the spot kick, but his effort was expertly saved by Mike Maignan. The referee, however, controversially ordered a re-take, leaving fans at the BVB Stadion Dortmund confused.
The Polish captain was clinical with his second attempt as he dispatched the penalty at the back of the net in the 79th minute to salvage a draw for his nation.
As it turns out, the decision to have Lewandowski take his penalty again was due to a little-known football rule.
Checks from the VAR showed that the France goalkeeper had come off his line before Lewandowski made contact with the ball – which is an infringement, according to the official 2024/25 IFAB Laws of the Game.
It continues to describe exactly where the goalkeeper should be positioned in the build-up to a penalty, stating the shot-stopper “must have at least part of one foot touching, in line with, or behind, the goal line.”
France, guaranteed a place in the last 16 thanks to Spain’s win over Albania a day earlier, needed to secure all three points to ensure they finished top of the group.
A masked Kylian Mbappe gave his nation the lead with his first-ever Euros goal, scoring from the penalty spot in the 56th minute after Ousmane Dembele was brought down in the box.
