June 4 (Reuters) - Poland's Robert Lewandowski has long been one of Europe's best forwards but his strike rate for his country is on the wane as he prepares for what will likely be his last major tournament.
Lewandowski scored Poland's first penalty in the 5-4 shootout win over Wales in Cardiff that punched their ticket to Euro 2024 through the playoffs last March.
But the 35-year-old's role in the national side, although still pivotal, has experienced a natural shift from mainly scoring goals to helping younger players with his experience.
However, despite netting more than 80 times in nearly 150 internationals, Poland's all-time top scorer has often faced criticism when his all-round performances have lacked goals.
When new manager Michal Probierz took over in March, some suggested that as part of a shake-up he should ease Lewandowski off the national team. Others argued that he should bench the striker, or at least strip him of the captain's armband.
Probierz did not take any of this advice, making it clear that Lewandowski's status remained unchallenged.
He made a strong statement by backing his star player when Lewandowski was going through a difficult time at Barcelona.
"For the good of Polish football and the players who are on the national team, it would be a shame if Robert Lewandowski ended playing for the Polish national team," Probierz said.
"We cannot afford to give up a player of this class, he is an example of professionalism for the younger generation."
The contribution from Lewandowski was never restricted to goals but the recent fall in his numbers is clear.
After the nine goals he scored helping Poland to reach the 2022 World Cup and 16 to top the charts in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, his Euros qualification campaign totalled three -- one in a 3-2 loss to Moldova and two against Faroe Islands.
At major tournaments, Lewandowski has mostly struggled.
He broke his World Cup duck in Qatar two years ago when he sealed Poland's victory over Saudi Arabia, before scoring again with a penalty in the last 16 against France.
At the Euros, the striker has netted just five times overall, having made his European Championship playing and scoring debut when Poland co-hosted with Ukraine in 2012.
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