Robert Lewandowski broke Saudi Arabia’s illusion after the team’s giant-killing performance against Argentina on Saturday by scoring the first World Cup goal of his illustrious career in Poland’s 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.
When he scored in the 82nd minute off an assist from Abdulelah Al-Malki, Barcelona forward Lewandowski made sure Poland made significant progress into the round of 16 in Qatar.
But it was a fight for Czeslaw Michniewicz’s team, who had taken the lead at that time after Piotr Zielinski’s roofed shot and Wojciech Szczesny’s spectacular double save following Salem Al-penalty Dawsari’s late in the first half.
Poland overtook Saudi Arabia to take the lead in Group C, where Argentina and Lionel Messi’s Mexico will play later on Saturday.
Herve Renard’s Saudi team came out with the bit between their teeth, encouraged by a boisterous crowd, and the Poles regularly struggled to handle their strong press.
Early yellow cards were issued to Poland three times.
In the 13th minute, Mohamed Kanno’s decent initial shot on goal was deflected by Szczesny.
Getting quickly encircled by a group of defenders led by Ali Al-Bulayhi, who briefly appeared to be leaving the game after being accidentally studded by the Barca star, made it difficult for Lewandowski to get into the game at first.
