Poland Women defeated Belgium Women 4-3 on penalties after a 3-3 aggregate draw at Gdansk Stadium, with Ewa Pajor scoring twice in a thrilling European Qualifiers play-off.
Poland win dramatic thriller
Poland Women delivered a breathtaking performance at Gdansk Stadium, edging past Belgium Women 3-2 on the night to level the tie 3-3 on aggregate before winning a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout in the Women’s European Qualifiers play-offs.
A crowd in Gdansk witnessed a heart-stopping encounter that swung back and forth, testing the nerves of both sets of supporters before the hosts finally booked their spot in the next round through sheer resilience. See also:Â Netherlands Women put 3-0 past Hungary
Pajor opens scoring before Belgium fight back
The first half was a tense tactical battle until Ewa Pajor broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute, firing Poland ahead right before the break. However, Belgium came out firing in the second half, equalizing swiftly in the 51st minute through Amber Littel.
Poland responded brilliantly when Natalia Tomasiak restored the lead in the 67th minute, but Belgium refused to surrender, sending the match into extra time when Kassandra Teulings scored in the 105th minute.
Dramatic extra-time finish and penalties
Extra time brought maximum drama. With both teams exhausted, Pajor struck again in the 116th minute, seemingly sealing victory for Poland.
Yet, Belgium kept fighting right to the final whistle, forcing the contest into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
Under immense pressure, the Polish players held their nerve from the spot, converting four penalties to secure a 4-3 shootout triumph and spark wild celebrations across the stadium.