Euro 2016 Qualifying Review: Four-minute treble sends Lewandowski top of scoring charts

Poland maintained their strong record in Euro 2016 qualifying, as Robert Lewandowski scored three times in four minutes to see them to a 4-0 win over Georgia on Saturday.

After Arkadiusz Milik had put the home side in front just after the hour, it seemed Poland would have to hold onto their slender advantage with a minute of normal time to go.

However, Bayern Munich striker Lewandowski had other ideas, smashing home his first in the 89th minute before adding a header and then sliding in his third in stoppage time.

Lewandowski now tops the scoring charts with seven, and Poland sit at the summit of Group D, a point clear of Germany, who had a hat-trick hero of their own in their 7-0 demolition of minnows Gibraltar.

Andre Schurrle scored three times for the world champions, while Max Kruse added a brace and there were further goals for Ilkay Gundogan and Karim Bellarabi - the latter's first at international level.

In the other match in that group, Scotland drew 1-1 with Republic of Ireland in Dublin - a result that keeps Gordon Strachan's men in third, two points clear of their opponents.

Jonathan Walters netted the opener for the home side from an offside position before Shaun Maloney's effort took a deflection off John O'Shea and crept into the bottom corner.

Not to be outdone by Lewandowski and Schurrle, Cristiano Ronaldo also netted a hat-trick as Portugal came from a goal down to win 3-2 at Armenia.

The hosts' Marcos Pizzelli opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick from 40 yards before Ronaldo took centre stage - his third coming courtesy of a sublime piece of control and thunderous finish.

Tiago was then sent off and Hrayr Mkoyan pulled one back, but Portugal held on and sit top of Group I, two points clear of Denmark, who defeated Serbia 2-0 at home despite a missed penalty from Daniel Agger.

In Group F, the top two of Romania and Northern Ireland played out a goalless draw in Belfast.

That result allowed Hungary - whose head coach Pal Dardai may have taken charge of his last game before concentrating on his duties at Hertha Berlin - to close the gap with a 1-0 away win over Finland, Zoltan Stieber netting the only goal.

Elsewhere in that group, Faroe Islands defeated Greece for a second time in the campaign as efforts from Hallur Hansson and Brandur Olsen helped them to a 2-1 success.

 

Latest in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola holds aloft the Premier League trophy at the Etihad in May 2023.
Quiz! Can you name every Premier League champion... in just 90 seconds?
Newcastle United's Dan Burn battles with Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on February 26, 2025.
I watch every football game on this TV - and it's been discounted by £210 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reacts at full-time of the Premier League match against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 9 March, 2025
Manchester United make exciting teenager 'top priority' this summer: report
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool set for major PSR hit ahead of the summer: report
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Latest in News
Newcastle United's Dan Burn battles with Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on February 26, 2025.
I watch every football game on this TV - and it's been discounted by £210 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reacts at full-time of the Premier League match against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 9 March, 2025
Manchester United make exciting teenager 'top priority' this summer: report
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool set for major PSR hit ahead of the summer: report
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho could still leave the club this month
'Alejandro Garnacho has let his family down. He might be immature but he is not young anymore, it's a massive disappointment that he is not performing - he just seems like a Ronaldo fanboy' Ex Manchester United star launches astonishing rant at winger