Poland downed giantkillers Saudi Arabia 2-0 to take a big steps towards the last 16 at the 2022 World Cup. Piotr Zielinski grabbed the opener on 39 minutes against the run of play before Wojciech Szczesny saved a penalty from Salem Al-Dawsari on the stroke of half-time. Saudi pressed for an equaliser after the break but saw their hopes evaporate after Robert Lewandowski punished a defensive error.
Robert Lewandowski scored his first World Cup goal eight minutes from time to help earn Poland a 2-0 victory against Saudi Arabia in the Group C clash.
Piotr Zielinski opened the scoring six minutes before the break when, after failing to finish Matty Cash’s cross, Lewandowski reacted quickest to cut back to his team-mate who slammed home from six yards out.
Saudi Arabia dominated possession for most of the game and should have had reward a minute into injury time in the first half when Salem Al-Dawsari’s penalty was saved by Wojciech Szczesny, who then was smart to deny the rebound from Mohammed Al-Breik.
Although Saudi Arabia were attacking for much of the second half it was Poland who came closest to scoring as Arkadiusz Milik saw a header come back off the crossbar and Lewandowski also saw an effort strike the post.
The game was settled when Abdulelah Al-Malki lost control of the ball on the edge of his box and Lewandowski made no mistake.
The result sees Poland top Group C with four points from two games, the Saudis have three points and are also alive going into the last round of games. Mexico face Argentina later in the day.
ALL TO PLAY FOR
With four points, Poland need a draw against Argentina to reach the second round. The Saudis meanwhile should see no reason why they could not beat Mexico in their final game and assure themselves of qualification with a victory. This did not look the most exciting group on paper but it has certainly turned out that way. A big part of that is the due to the Green Falcons, both in the ambitious and easy-to-watch football they play and the most vociferous support of the competition they are getting from their fans. Their frailties were exposed in this match, where they did not get the rub of the green they benefited from against Argentina but even if they do not progress from this group, they have left their mark on the competition.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH –
WOJCIECH SZCZENSY (POLAND)
There have been times over the last couple of years when he has had difficulties and faced criticism from Juventus fans, but Poland would want no one else between the sticks. He was assured early in the first half when the Saudis were on top and then in injury time of the first half he made the key contribution with his double save from the penalty. His save after a scramble in the box getting down quickly to deny Salem Al Dawsari was just as good though.