Lewandowski recalls his own mask 'problems' after tussle with Mbappe
Wearing protective masks has come to the forefront of Euro 2024 and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski recalled the time he had to wear one in 2015 as he prepared to face the masked-up Kylian Mbappe in Poland's final game of Euro 2024 against France.
According to GOAL, Lewandowski said: "When I had to wear a mask myself, it wasn't nice. It's quite annoying, especially in the penalty area, I had problems, I didn't react, I couldn't see, my field of vision was hampered... It's a few milliseconds but it can slow down a player."
Lewandowski's mask troubles in the past didn't stop him from pushing Mbappe right in the face, as seen during the match.
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Mbappe wore a mask to protect his nose after breaking it against Poland, making it impossible not to see where the problem lies for the Les Bleus star.
The scene took place at Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park when the match was tied at 1-1 after goals from Mbappe and Lewandowski, who both scored a penalty.
The result knocked Poland out of the tournament, which may have affected the Polish striker's mood, but is no excuse for what he did.
In the 87th minute, in a tussle between the two stars, Lewandowski tried to keep possession of the ball against Mbappe.
At one point, the Polish star's hand landed on Mbappe's injured nose, which will require surgery (or not).
The new Real Madrid player put his face to his hand, and was clearly in pain as he removed his mask to check the damage.
With play stopped, the Frenchman scolded Lewandowski, who did not seem to be too sorry for what he had done.
Perhaps Lewandowski, who plays for FC Barcelona, was giving him a warning of what awaits Mbappe when he arrives at Real Madrid. In any case, the Frenchman's response spoke for itself, according to multiple French sources: "C'est ce fils de...". No need to translate, right?
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