Robert Lewandowski scored the first World Cup goal of his prolific career on Saturday when he netted in Poland’s 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia, bursting their bubble following the team’s giant-killing act against Argentina. Lewandowski’ goal breaks World Cup duck as Poland beat Saudi Arabia 2-0. The Associated Press has the story:
Lewandowski scores, Poland beats Saudis 2-0
Newslooks- AL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP)
Robert Lewandowski at last scored a goal in a World Cup match on Saturday, helping Poland beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 and boosting his team’s chances of reaching the knockout stages.
Lewandowski shed tears after scoring in the 82nd minute. He raced toward the corner with his arms outstretched, then stayed slumped on the field as teammates rushed to congratulate him. He got up, rubbed his face, and blew a kiss to the crowd.
Saudi Arabia started the match with a touching tribute to injured defender Yasser Alshahrani, before dominating the early stages in a feisty first half. It was Poland who scored first, though, with Lewandowski putting it on a plate for Piotr Zielinski who fired home from close range. A lengthy VAR check gave Saudi Arabia the chance to equalise from the spot on the stroke of half-time, but heroics from Wojciech Szczesny kept Poland’s lead intact. He first denied Salem Al-Dawsari – who appeared to take the ball out of Firas Al-Buraikan’s hands – before spectacularly tipping Mohammed Al-Burayk’s follow-up over the bar.
Arguably one of the best forwards in the world, Lewandowski’s barren streak at the World Cup was somewhat puzzling. Now, after five previous matches at the tournament, it’s over.
Lewandowski also set up the opener in the 40th minute when he kept the ball in play after goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais’ initial block, then laid it back for Piotr Zielinski to knock in.
Lewandowski also hit the post and Al-Owais denied the Barcelona player from scoring another goal late in the match.
Poland was scrambling for long periods at the Education City Stadium as the Saudi team was pushed forward by enthusiastic fans in what seemed like a home game. The frustration was clear on Lewandowski’s face as Poland’s yellow cards mounted.
Saudi Arabia had a chance to equalize at the end of the first half but Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny saved Salem Al-Dawsari’s penalty kick. He then blocked Mohammed Al-Burayk’s shot from the rebound.
Poland will next face Argentina, while Saudi Arabia will meet Mexico in their last Group C games at World Cup.
