Poland edged Malta 3–2 in a World Cup qualifier on 17 November, securing three points despite being outshot in expected goals. Malta's 4–2–3–1 setup generated 2.15 xG from ten attempts, with eight efforts on target, yet their goalkeeper managed only a 75 per cent save rate, conceding 2.0 goals above expected. Poland operated in a 3–4–2–1 formation and proved ruthlessly clinical, converting chances from just 1.32 xG despite mustering only four shots on target from 18 total attempts. Robert Lewandowski netted once in the contest. The visitors' superior efficiency in the final third proved decisive, turning a possession-neutral encounter into a comfortable away victory. Poland's clinical finishing compensates for Malta's underlying dominance.