World Cup: Poland on the money after Cash sparks first goal in 2-1 win
Robert Lewandowski scored his first World Cup goal as Poland beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 in Saturday's clash
THE question on everyone’s lips was whether Saudi Arabia would be brought down to earth after their shock win over Argentina, as they confronted Poland on Saturday.
The men in green certainly looked full of confidence, emboldened by that success as they owned most of a first half that had plenty of zip but no end product.
Not until the 40th minute, that is, when the Saudis were taught a lesson at the Education City Stadium.
The subject matter was the need to keep Robert Lewandowski in check.
The big Polish striker played a super one-two with Matty Cash before feeding the ball to Zielinski, who rocketed it into the roof of the net (1-0).
They came close to a second moments later after more good combination play.
But the action moved to the opposite end of the field where a VAR check was needed to see whether Krystian Bielek had fouled Al Shehri.
He had, and Al Dawsari took responsibility for the penalty.
He struck it well enough but Wojciech Szczesny saved brilliantly as he dived to his right then got up again to tip Al Burayk’s rebound over the bar.
It was a goalkeeping masterclass from the former Arsenal man, now plying his trade with Juventus in Serie A.
Szczesny had in fact pulled off a similar save in the first half; and he was called on again in the 55th minute as Saudi Arabia looked sure to score from a melee in the box.
Could there be a repeat of the Argentinian game heroics? It didn’t look impossible given all the pressure and possession.
Attack after attack caused panic in the Polish ranks, with their strikers having to be called on as reinforcements for a fragile defence.
As so often happens, a Polish breakaway was headed violently onto the Saudi bar by Milik
Lewandowski hit the a post a minute later as the keeper got a slight touch. It could have been Poland’s third goal, but for the frame of the goals.
The pattern would echo: Saudi Arabia pushing men forward and Poland catching them on the counter, with Saudi keeper Al-Owais having to sprint out his box to intercept the ball over the top and avert danger.
A terrible mistake at the back by Al Malki, and Lewandowski said ‘thank you’ to make it 2-0 for his 77th goal for Poland and his first at a World Cup.
He should have had a second as he cut through with only the keeper to beat but his chip was tipped wide.
No worries, though, as the final whistle blew. But it didn’t mean the final hope of qualifying for either of the sides.
