Poland 2-0 Saudi Arabia: Lewandowski, Szczęsny lift Poland to top of Group C
Saudi Arabia dominated Poland from start-to-finish in what felt and sounded like a home match for the Green Falcons, but it’s the Red and White who now find themselves atop Group C.
A goal completely against the run of play, a heroic double save from Wojciech Szczęsny and a drought-breaker from Robert Lewandowski spurred Poland to a 2-0 victory Saturday at the Education City Stadium. After stunning Argentina to open their World Cup campaign, Saudi Arabia now need a result against Mexico and potentially some help to secure qualification.
Poland put forth another underwhelming performance in attack, with their best chances coming off long balls and direct play. It was a long kick from Szczęsny that set up Piotr Zieliński’s opening goal in the 39th minute.
Szczęsny’s goal kick found Matty Cash, who eventually found the ball again with plenty of space down the right side. Robert Lewandowski received a low cross from Cash and navigated the touchline to perfection, keeping the ball in play before setting up a wide open Zieliński for a right-footed rocket into the roof of the net.
Lewandowski finally had his moment in the 82nd minute thanks to a shocking mistake by Abdulelah Al-Malki. The Saudi Arabian defender took a heavy touch and put Lewandowski one-on-one with the keeper. The Barcelona man couldn’t miss, tucking his shot home for the first World Cup goal of his career.
The Green Falcons dominated possession throughout the match and they came flying out of the gates, perhaps buoyed by their upset over Argentina and their place atop Group C. Poland’s frustration boiled over with three yellow cards in the span of five minutes at one point in the first half.
Saudi Arabia nearly took the lead in the 13th minute when a charging run from Mohammed Kanno finished with a dangerous shot that saved.
Szczęsny was the Polish hero in the closing stages of the first half. After a check with VAR, referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio awarded a controversial penalty to the Green Falcons, but Szczęsny was up to the challenge with an incredible double save.
First, he dove to his right to deny Salem Al Dawsari from the spot, and Szczęsny tipped the follow-up attempt by Mohammed Al Burayk over the bar.
Szczęsny wasn’t finished providing moments of brilliance. He stopped Al Dawsari once again within the opening 10 minutes of the first half and finished with five saves.
Al Dawsari, fresh off scoring the winner against Argentina on Tuesday, was the most threatening player for a Saudi Arabia team that lacked the final product.
Poland weren’t consistent, but they had their moments. Arkadiusz Milik’s 63rd-minute header hit the crossbar after a lovely cross from Przemyslaw Frankowski on the left wing, and Lewandowski nearly had his second World Cup goal just before stoppage time.
All eyes in this group turn to Argentina and Mexico, who face off at 7 p.m. Saturday. Poland with 4 points will face Lionel Messi and company on Wednesday, while Saudi Arabia can still secure qualification with a victory over Mexico on the final matchday.
