Sweden defeated Poland 3-1 in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, with Poland captain Robert Lewandowski introduced only in the final minute of normal time.
The hosts took the lead in the eighth minute when Benjamin Nygren headed the ball into the net, but Poland responded before the break as Sebastian Szymański converted Nicola Zalewski’s cross in the 43rd minute.
Sweden regained control after half-time and restored their advantage in the 64th minute through Yasin Ayari, who followed a short corner before finding the bottom corner with a well-placed effort.
The hosts extended their lead eight minutes later when Patrik Walemark beat substitute Przemysław Frankowski and set up Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, who tapped the ball home.
Poland had chances to get back into the contest, with stand-in captain Piotr Zieliński shooting narrowly wide, while the visitors also recorded more shots on target than Sweden.
However, Poland could not find another goal as Sweden held on for victory at the Strawberry Arena, having also beaten them at the same venue in March.
Lewandowski, who started Poland’s opening Nations League match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, was left on the bench by coach Jan Urban.
The 38-year-old striker eventually entered in the 89th minute but could not influence the result and was booked late on.
The defeat leaves Poland with one point from their opening two matches in League B after their goalless draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina last week.
They will host Romania at the National Stadium in Warsaw on Friday.
