World Cup 2022: Lewandowski scores as Poland beat giant killers Saudi Arabia
Giant-slayer Saudi Arabia were beaten 2-0 by Poland on Saturday as World Cup Group C continues to produce spectacular results.
The Eagles will have captain Robert Lewandowski to thank for his assist and goal in Saturday's thrilling encounter.
After a draw against Mexico in their first game, Poland needed a crucial victory to avoid being at a disadvantage against Argentina in their last group game.
Lewandowski assisted Piotr Zielinski in the 39th minute before sealing the victory for Poland with an 81st-minute goal following an error by Abdulelah Al Malki that caused the Barcelona striker to flick the ball past Mohammed Al Owais.
First halfThe game started as soon as the Brazilian referee Sampiano Wilton denounced the Saudi Green Falcon to increase the pressure on Poland.
After 10 minutes of play, Saudi player Salem Al Dawari tested the Polish defense but Matty Cash cleared the attempt.
Four minutes later, Mohamed Kanno gave the Green Falcons their first corner after his shot was parried by Wojciech Sczcesny.
The first 20 minutes of the game saw Poland keep the Saudis at bay.
However, Poland made their first clear attempt on goal after Krystain Beilik's header from Piotr Zielinski's corner was cleared by Saleh Al-Sheiri in the 26th minute.
The Napoli striker quickly netted Poland's first World Cup goal after converting Robert Lewandowski's pass in the 39th minute.
Four minutes later, the Saudi, who looked unfazed after conceding a goal, was awarded a penalty after Bialek breached Al-Sheri.
But the joy of an equalizer was short-lived after Sczenesy saved Salem Al Dawsari's kick and a follow-up attempt from Al Beilik a minute later.
In the second half, Saudi Arabia managed to equalise. A chance for the Green Falcons from Kanno's bicycle kick missed the target seven minutes into the second half.
Sczenesy, however, denied the Falcons a save on Al Dawsari's shot after the forward had diverted the ball away from a Polish defender.
On the hour mark, Saudi Arabia again failed to equalize after Feras Al Birakan's shot from Dawsari's pass flew over the crossbar.
However, Poland got a bit of a break in the game after Arkadiusz Milik's diving header hit the left crossbar in the 64th minute. Two minutes later, Lewandowski's header for his first-ever World Cup goal hit the right crossbar.
The final 15 minutes saw Saudi Arabia pressure the Eagles for what could be a last-minute equalizer.
Abdelah Al Maliki's outside shot after a fine build-up from the Saudis went awry. The central midfielder missed control of Ali Al Buyani's pass in the 81st minute, which led to Lewandowski's first World Cup goal.
Lewandowski's effort to score a brace after a one-on-one with Al owais was cleared by the goalkeeper in the 90th minute.
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Giant-slayer Saudi Arabia were beaten 2-0 by Poland on Saturday as World Cup Group C continues to produce spectacular results.
The Eagles will have captain Robert Lewandowski to thank for his assist and goal in Saturday's thrilling encounter.
After a draw against Mexico in their first game, Poland needed a crucial victory to avoid being at a disadvantage against Argentina in their last group game.
Lewandowski assisted Piotr Zielinski in the 39th minute before sealing the victory for Poland with an 81st-minute goal following an error by Abdulelah Al Malki that caused the Barcelona striker to flick the ball past Mohammed Al Owais.
First halfThe game started as soon as the Brazilian referee Sampiano Wilton denounced the Saudi Green Falcon to increase the pressure on Poland.
After 10 minutes of play, Saudi player Salem Al Dawari tested the Polish defense but Matty Cash cleared the attempt.
Four minutes later, Mohamed Kanno gave the Green Falcons their first corner after his shot was parried by Wojciech Sczcesny.
The first 20 minutes of the game saw Poland keep the Saudis at bay.
However, Poland made their first clear attempt on goal after Krystain Beilik's header from Piotr Zielinski's corner was cleared by Saleh Al-Sheiri in the 26th minute.
The Napoli striker quickly netted Poland's first World Cup goal after converting Robert Lewandowski's pass in the 39th minute.
Four minutes later, the Saudi, who looked unfazed after conceding a goal, was awarded a penalty after Bialek breached Al-Sheri.
But the joy of an equalizer was short-lived after Sczenesy saved Salem Al Dawsari's kick and a follow-up attempt from Al Beilik a minute later.
In the second half, Saudi Arabia managed to equalise. A chance for the Green Falcons from Kanno's bicycle kick missed the target seven minutes into the second half.
Sczenesy, however, denied the Falcons a save on Al Dawsari's shot after the forward had diverted the ball away from a Polish defender.
On the hour mark, Saudi Arabia again failed to equalize after Feras Al Birakan's shot from Dawsari's pass flew over the crossbar.
However, Poland got a bit of a break in the game after Arkadiusz Milik's diving header hit the left crossbar in the 64th minute. Two minutes later, Lewandowski's header for his first-ever World Cup goal hit the right crossbar.
The final 15 minutes saw Saudi Arabia pressure the Eagles for what could be a last-minute equalizer.
Abdelah Al Maliki's outside shot after a fine build-up from the Saudis went awry. The central midfielder missed control of Ali Al Buyani's pass in the 81st minute, which led to Lewandowski's first World Cup goal.
Lewandowski's effort to score a brace after a one-on-one with Al owais was cleared by the goalkeeper in the 90th minute.
Support the integrity and credibility journalism of PREMIUM TIMES Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider providing modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help sustain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.Donate
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