Poland got their first victory in the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar as they defeated Saudi Arabia with Lewandowski’s brilliance. At Al Rayyan Stadium, Poland and Saudi Arabia faced off each other to play their second game. However, Barca striker Robert Lewandowksi scored one and assisted one to earn Poland’s first victory in the Qatar World Cup.
As it happened
Saudi Arabia made the first upset in the Qatar World Cup by defeating Argentina in their first game. Therefore, they were at the top of the table after the first game. Saudi Arabia needed to win only one of their remaining two to secure a place in the Round of 16. On the other hand, Poland tied their first game against Mexico. As a result, they had to win against Saudi Arabia to keep the hope alive.
In this crucial game, managers from both sides played their best possible XI at the Al Rayyan Stadium. Poland’s coach Czeslaw Michniewicz set up the team formation with 4-4-2, where Robert Lewandowski led the frontline with Arkadiusz Milik. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia’s manager played his team in a 4-1-4-1.
Saudi Arabia looked more confident on the field as they had defeated Argentina previously. From the very first moment, the Arabians tried to take control of the game. They started dominating the opponents from the beginning. Moreover, Saudi Arabia had more possession on the ball than Poland.
On the other hand, Poland remained strict on basic football. They were more focused on defending. But Poland looked more dangerous whenever they got the ball. In the 39th minute, Poland got one of the best chances to score. Striker Robert Lewandowski’s shot hit the bar, and then Lewandowski passed the ball toward Piotr Zielinski, and he scored!
However, Saudi Arabia got a massive chance to level the scoreline. In the 44th minute, Saudi Arabia got a penalty kick as Bielik fouled Al Shehri. Salem Aldawsari stepped forward to take the kick. But Poland’s goalkeeper saved the penalty kick brilliantly and kept Poland alive in the game.
Returning from the break, Saudi Arabia kept pressing Poland. But Poland’s defense line was rock solid against the Arabian. Moreover, Poland doubled their lead in the 82nd as Robert Lewandowksi scored a goal. Saudi Arabia couldn’t find the net in the remaining minutes. Therefore, Poland won the game and have gone to the top of the table in Group C.