Robert Lewandowski bagged a goal and an assist to inspire Poland to a 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia at the FIFA World Cup on Saturday afternoon.
2022 FIFA World Cup
Result: Poland 2-0 Saudi Arabia
Date: 26 November 2022
Venue: Education City Stadium
Arkadiusz Milik, Krystian Bielik and Przemyslaw Frankowski were recalled to the Polish line-up after the draw with Mexico,
Meanwhile, Herve Renard handed starts to Abdulelah Al Amri and Mohammed Al-Breik in defence while Sami Al-Najei also came into the midfield following the big win over Argentina.
The game got off to a lively start, with the Saudis carving out the first chance as Mohamed Kanno forced goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny into a fine save with a first-time strike from the edge of the box.
Poland went close to pulling ahead in the 26th minute when Bielik rose above his marker to meet a corner but his effort was deflected over the crossbar by Saleh Al Shehri.
The Polish got the breakthrough six minutes before the halftime break as Lewandowski turned provider to tee up Piotr Zielinski, who rifled the ball home from close range.
Saudi Arabia were given the perfect chance to draw level on the stroke of halftime after being awarded a penalty for Bialek's foul on Al-Shehri, but Salem Al Dawari saw his spot-kick saved by Szczesny.
Renard's troops came out firing in the second half as Szczesny did well to deny Al Dawari in the 56th minute before Firas Al Birakan fired over the crossbar a few minutes later.
Poland nearly caught Saudi Arabia out after the hour mark through Lewandowski who rattled the frame of the goal just minutes after Arkadiusz Milik saw his header crash against the upright.
Saudi Arabia went close to levelling matters with 12 minutes to go, as Abdulelah Al Malki sent a powerful strike just wide of the upright from just outside the box.
However, Poland made the game safe in the 82nd minute as Lewandowski grabbed his first-ever World Cup goal with a clinical finish from close range after Saudi Arabia failed to clear their lines.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
