Homebound Poland let in 'silly' goals, says coach Sousa

ST PETERSBURG, Russia (Reuters) - Poland coach Paulo Sousa lamented lack of concentration and conceding too many "silly" goals after a 3-2 defeat by Sweden knocked them out of Euro 2020 with only one point from three games.

The Poles had a shock start when Sweden winger Emil Forsberg took advantage of some poor defending to fire past goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny with 82 seconds on the clock.

"We cannot concede silly goals like we have been conceding. The first shot on goal, it cannot be through the goal," said Sousa, whose team conceded six goals in their three matches.

"We need to be really concentrated, individually, (so we) don't concede silly goals. This is what we need, to keep growing," he also told reporters.

It was a dispiriting end to Poland's campaign following a thrilling fightback against Sweden in which they twice drew level through skipper Robert Lewandowski.

"That quick goal knocked us out of rhythm, took away some confidence," 2021 European Golden Boot winner Lewandowski told Polish TV. "But if you go from 2-0 down to 2-2 and there's a chance to win the game, you keep trying."

Sousa said he believed Poland deserved more from the tournament, where they finished last place in Group E, with Sweden claiming the top spot ahead of Spain and Slovakia.

"In the end, we deserved much more than what we got, and hopefully in the future we can achieve better results," Sousa said.

Polish Football Association president Zbigniew Boniek said last week he would not fire Sousa whatever happened.

However, Boniek's presidency ends in August and the future of the Portuguese coach - who has a contract until the end of World Cup qualifiers - may be decided by the new association head.

"(I'm) waiting for the new president, (if he will) keep following this process of growth with me or with someone else," Sousa said.

(Reporting by Milla Nissi and Anita Kobylinska in Gdansk; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)