Lewandowski's Poland departure ruffles feathers ahead of Chicago Fire's midweek clash

[p]One of the key talking points of this Poland camp was the conduct of [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/lewandowski-robert/MVC8zHZD/"]Lewandowski[/a]. It was not about his hat-trick or other strengths against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/romania/IaD8jZpU/"]Romania[/a], but rather how he picked up two yellow cards that ruled him out of the match against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/bosnia-herzegovina/fqe7WYTr/"]Bosnia and Herzegovina[/a].[/p][p]The first in particular – [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/poland-2HzmcynI/sweden-OQyqbHWB/?mid=rVycBZlo"]in Sweden[/a], where he came on in the 88th minute – was irresponsible. He took a shot well after the referee's whistle, deep into stoppage time. And although the 38-year-old is the captain, he did not travel for the final international, leaving the camp after Friday's win.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/zielinski-piotr/dlFNZSvb/"]Piotr Zielinski[/a], who took over as captain, said after the match against Romania that Lewandowski's absence was a "major loss" for the team.[/p][p]"[b]We'll have to make up for it in the best way possible[/b]," Poland's vice-captain added. But they were unable to do so, as Poland were wasteful in front of goal and ultimately lost 1-0 in Zenica.[/p][p]In the immediate aftermath of Friday's 6-0 victory, journalists, columnists and fans posted numerous critical comments accusing Lewandowski of deliberately getting himself booked to avoid playing in Bosnia. That would have allowed him to return to the United States sooner. His early arrival was subsequently confirmed by his club, which quickly reacted with the post: "[b]See you on Tuesday, Lewy[/b]."[/p][embed guid="ff2fcb29-135a-4071-911d-da57d63b7bfa" url="https://x.com/ChicagoFire/status/2106501021883306458" social-type="twitter" /][p]As Poland took to the pitch in Zenica on Monday, a press conference with [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/chicago-fire/UwAwNo2E/"]Chicago Fire[/a] coach [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/berhalter-gregg/QsnKsrgl/"]Gregg Berhalter[/a] was taking place on the other side of the Atlantic. One of the first questions concerned the 38-year-old's availability for the MLS blockbuster against the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/vancouver-whitecaps/K2dlua5N/"]Vancouver Whitecaps[/a].[/p][p]"[b]I wouldn't say there are any minute restrictions. It's more about assessing his condition – he only arrived yesterday – and managing the situation appropriately[/b]," the coach said.[/p][p]He confirmed earlier reports that Lewandowski would be available to him, with his playing time dependent on how he is feeling on the day.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/chicago-fire-UwAwNo2E/vancouver-whitecaps-K2dlua5N/?mid=xn3OX2y3"]The match against Vancouver (02:30 CET on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning)[/a] is a postponed fixture from July, when wildfires in the north forced organisers to reschedule it. MLS and Chicago Fire are actively promoting the game using Lewandowski's image, and that is no coincidence. On the other side of the pitch will be another striker with Bayern on his résumé, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/muller-thomas/E9NIaGMc/"]Thomas Muller[/a].[/p][image alt="Filling Soldier Field is a challenge, and Lewandowski could help" id="7a8c455e-6eaa-445c-9da9-4313965a0864" credit-line="Talia Sprague-Imagn Images" guid="2fbba384-dc56-455d-b4d8-ee6d559db588" original-width="6630" original-height="4475" /][p]The battle between two strikers from the Bavarian club is a central theme in MLS' own promotional material, as well as in information sent to the media about Tuesday's match, including by Field Level Media. With more than 60,000 seats to fill at Soldier Field, the organisers' efforts are understandable.[/p][p]Ticket sales had been slow so far - a Tuesday night offered little prospect of a sellout for a club that usually draws around 25,000 spectators. Even on resale platforms, nearly every section still has availability, and prices are affordable. In that context, Lewandowski's arrival could prove invaluable.[/p][embed guid="71eed0ad-0d0d-4ab0-be93-b0f2629f572c" url="https://x.com/ChicagoFire/status/2107267127753547951" social-type="twitter" /]