Robert Lewandowski is still one of the best strikers in Europe (Picture: BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Robert Lewandowski has been the scourge of defences around the world since starting his distinguished career with Delta Warsaw nearly 20 years ago.
He’s one of the best strikers to have ever laced up a pair of football boots, scoring almost 600 goals for club and country and, at 35, is still the man Wales have to fear when they face Poland in the eliminator for the finals in Germany this summer.
But if they focus too much in shutting out the former Bayern Munich marksman, who is now with Barcelona, it could spell big trouble. Poland romped to a 5-1 victory over Estonia on Thursday and the 35-year-old was not on the scoresheet. Furthermore, four of those goals were supplied by different players with the other being put into his own net by one of the visitors.
Poland were assisted by the 27th-minute dismissal of one of the Estonians but Wales will still have to be at their very best to stop a side who may not be among the top tier of European outfits, but are not far from it.
Wales are coming to terms with Gareth Bale’s retirement (Picture: PA)
Wales are no mugs either and have overcome the big void created by Gareth Bale’s retirement, while home advantage at a passionate Cardiff City Stadium is a big bonus.
They also go into the play-off final full of confidence after beating Finland 4-1 last Thursday and will be itching to be on the big stage once again this year.
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But there’s still the fear that Lewandowski will wreck their dreams. He’s scored 23 goals for club and country this term proving he remains as potent as ever when the slightest sniff of a chance is presented to him and he is 9/2 with Paddy Power and Betfair to break the deadlock, and 15/8 with the same two firms to score at any time.
Poland are 9/4 with bet365, BetMGM and Bet UK to win and a 2/1 victory is 11/1 with bet365.
• Victoria Azarenka should have too much for Katie Boulter in the women’s singles at the Miami Open but the Briton, who is enjoying a fine year, can snatch a set. A 2-1 win for Azarenka is worth a flutter at 10/3 with Ladbrokes and William Hill.
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