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Goal-getters Lewandowski and Džeko aim to join stellar group of old geezers at World Cup

On Thursday, captains Robert Lewandowski and Edin Džeko scored pivotal goals leading Poland and Bosnia-Herzegovina to playoff semifinal victories, combining 160 goals across 309 national team appearances.
Bosnia-Herzegovina narrowly avoided elimination in November when Austria equalized with 13 minutes remaining, forcing the playoff route; Bosnia have never lost to Wales in four previous meetings, winning two and drawing two.
Poland defeated Albania 2-1 in Warsaw, with Lewandowski heading in a 63rd-minute corner and Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zieliński scoring the decisive 73rd-minute goal. Lewandowski said, "Maybe it was not the game of our dreams but I wont complain about it."
Bosnia-Herzegovina edged Wales in Cardiff via penalty shootout after Džeko's 86th-minute equalizer forced extra time, with 18-year-old Salzburg winger Kerim Alajbegović calmly converting the winning penalty.
Both nations face playoff finals on March 31 to reach the 2026 World Cup; Poland travels to Sweden while Italy visits Bosnia, seeking their first appearance since 2014 when a Džeko goal was wrongly disallowed 12 years ago.

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Goal-getters Lewandowski and Džeko aim to join stellar group of old geezers at World Cup

Robert Lewandowski and Edin Džeko had a combined 160 goals in 309 national team games going into the World Cup qualifying playoffs.

9 days ago·United States

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ESPN

Lean Left

Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina World Cup playoff talking points: Wilson or Dzeko to decide tie?

The main talking points surrounding Wales' crucial World Cup playoff against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

10 days ago·United States

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ESPN UK

Dzeko could join Ronaldo, Modric as rare WC vet

Edin Dzeko played a starring role in Bosnia and Herzegovina's win over Wales on Thursday -- and now has the chance to join Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric as one of the World Cup's oldest-ever players.

9 days ago·United Kingdom

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sport.de

Dzeko Saves Bosnia, Lewy Launches Poland's Comeback

Thanks to Schalke star Edin Dzeko and Bundesliga legend Robert Lewandowski, Bosnia and Poland can continue to dream of participating in the 2026 World Cup.

10 days ago

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