Poland smashes San Marino, Fabianski retires from national team

WARSAW - Poland thrashed San Marino 5-0 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier, while the goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski officially retired from the national team in Warsaw on Saturday.

The hosts needed just 10 minutes to break the deadlock as Karol Swiderski's header beat Elia Benedittini on a price cross by Przemyslaw Placheta from the left wing.

In the 20th minute, San Marino's defender Cristian Brolli surprised his own goalkeeper as he unsuccessfully tried to block Przemyslaw Frankowski's center.

Poland closed the match five minutes after the break when Tomasz Kedziora made it 3-0 from the very close range. In the closing stage the substitutes Adam Buksa and Krzysztof Piatek also didn't miss their chances.

Saturday's game was the last performance of West Ham United goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski for Poland. The 36-year-old had announced that he decided to retire from the national team.

Fabianski started the game between the posts and he was replaced by Radoslaw Majecki in the 57th minute. The goalie couldn't hold the tears back when both teammates and spectators applauded him loudly.

England is very close to seal their spot in the World Cup finals as they are leading the group after earning 19 points. Poland is in third position with 14 points, one less than second placed Albania.

The teams will face each other in Tirana on Tuesday. The encounter will be crucial for both sides to maintain their hopes as only the winner of each group will qualify for the World Cup finals directly, while the runners-up will enter the playoffs.