Poland Rue Penalty Decision
There was jubilation throughout Krakow, and the rest of Poland, for the best part of 90 minutes as the Poles' beloved national team held on comfortably to their 1-0 lead against Austria, after scoring in the 30th minute. But then disaster struck. Some wrangling in the box, and a shirt tug by Mariusz Lewandowski saw referee Howard Webb award the hosts a penalty in the 93rd minute... Not even the impressive Boruc could save them this time, with Vastic slamming home the set piece in the dying seconds of the match.
It was a cruel way for Poland to lose, not least of all because it virtually rules them out of proceeding through the group stages, as they now trail Germany by 2 points and Croatia by 5 points.
Overall a draw was probably a fair result for what was a tight fought and at times exhilirating contest. It was Austria who started by far the brightest with Umit Korkmaz causing a lot of trouble down the left wing, linking up with Harnik for one of several great chances - all saved by a seemingly impassable Boruc. With the Polish defence in disarray it was with great fortune that Polska struck, the Brazilian-born Roger Guerreiro (dubbed Rogerowski by the Poles) slotting in from close range, despite a strong hint of offside.
The goal seemed to kill the belief of the Austrian side who weren't able to reproduce the intensity and danger they had forged in the early part of the game. It was a generous lifeline for them when the referee awarded the penalty.
Disappointingly many fans, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk, have directed strong words at Englishman Howard Webb, who was undoubtedly correct in awarding a penalty for a clear cut foul, committed in clear view of him. However the referee enjoyed the full backing of UEFA at least, with spokesman William Gaillard saying: "We don't think it's controversial that when a player is pulled down by the shirt with both hands a penalty is given. There is nothing controversial about that."
Most Polish fans were content to continue the celebrations and drinking in good spirits however, despite the bitter disappointment.