Steve Jones started the match on the bench but on the hour mark came on for Michael Hughes. Jones' 30 minutes though was nothing too exciting for Ireland with him out of position on the right wing.
The Poles were in front from the fourth minute with a freak goal from Zurawski and five minutes before half time saw Wlodarczyk double the score. Ireland were far from out of the game, matching Poland in terms of chances and possession but defensive play was poor.
On the hour mark Krzynowek sealed the win on a 3-on-1 break away by Poland, and despite going down to 10 men they held Northern Ireland comfortably.