• Lewandowski fails to score in seven games for Poland
• Captain plays less glamorous role
• Poland are not worried by his goal drought

As the leader, Lewandowski works for the team as a defensive number 10, rather than battling to get himself a goal. It is less glamorous but certainly effective.

Against Northern Ireland and Germany in the group stages, he dropped off to collect the ball and defended from the front, tracking back and chasing down opposition midfielders. Against Switzerland, his harrying could be seen throughout.

"Even in the first minute of the game against Switzerland, we created something from his pressure, that put them under a stressful situation," Fabianski said.

"That's what he gives us. Even though we're not creating as much as we would like for him."

Lewandowski's labours have created more space for partner Arkadiusz Milik, whose crisp finish against Northern Ireland won the game, and for his former Dortmund club mate Jakub Blaszczykowski who has netted twice so far.

"It's a great responsibility. When I first put on the armband, I didn't know that this small accessory could make such a big difference," Lewandowski said.

"You need to know how to cope with it. Not many people know how much commitment and effort is required, not just physical, but also mental."