Robert Lewandowski had a second-half penalty saved as Poland and Mexico played to a goalless draw in their 2022 FIFA World Cup opener.
2022 FIFA World Cup
Result: Mexico 0-0 Poland
Date: 22 November 2022
Venue: Stadium 947
Lewandowski was recalled to the line-up after missing the friendly win over Chile last week, while Poland's attack comprised of Hirving Lovano, Alexis Vega and Henry Martin.
The Mexicans had the first real opening after 12 minutes when Hector Moreno rose well to meet a cross from Jesus Gallardo, but his header sailed over the crossbar.
Mexico went close once again midway through the first half, with Vega getting on the end of a cross from Hector Herrera but his powerful header sailed inches wide of the upright.
Poland, meanwhile, struggled to carve out any serious chances in the first stanza as talisman Lewandowski endured a frustrating opening 45 minutes.
The Mexicans nearly got their reward on the stroke of halftime when Lozano and Martin combined to set up Sanchez, who saw his strike tipped over the crossbar by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
The European outfit were presented with the perfect chance to break the deadlock ten minutes into the second half after being awarded a penalty for Moreno's foul on Lewandowski, who stepped up but saw his spot-kick saved by Guillermo Ochoa.
Mexico coach Gerardo Martino responded with a double change, as Raul Jimenez and Carlos Rodriguez made their way onto the pitch for the final 20 minutes while the Poles introduced Przemyslaw Frankowski for Sebastian Szymanski.
Poland went close to pulling ahead with eight minutes left on the clock when Bartosz Bereszynski headed the ball towards the back post and found Jakub Kiwior, who saw his shot blocked by Sanchez in the six-yard area.
There were chances for the Poles in the closing stages, with Janusz Kaminski being denied by the ever-reliable Ochoa, before Grzegorz Krychowiak fired over the crossbar from close range, as it ended goalless.
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