Zielinski & Lewandowski strike as Poland keep their qualification hopes alive with 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia in Group C

Poland 2-0 Saudi Arabia: Zielinski and Lewandowski scored in either half to ensure a first win of the FIFA WC for Poland in their Group C match on Saturday.

The Polish captain scored his first WC finals goal to keep his nation’s knockouts dreams alive in the competition.

FIRST HALF

Saudi Arabia started aggressively and pushed the Polish team under intense pressure.

They had the first big chance of the match falling to Kanno, but the midfielder’s effort drew out a fine save from Szczesny.

Al-Shehri was called into action when he cleared Bielik’s header off the line for Saudi. It was a competitive and closely fought clash as both sides grew into the game.

Poland finally struck after a lot of back and forth in the game through Zielinski in the 40^th minute.

The Napoli player finished confidently from Lewandowski’s squared pass, after the Poland captain had an effort saved by Al-Owais prior.

However, their lead was short lived as Saudi won a penalty after Bialek’s foul on Al-Shehri.

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Szczesny stepped up to the plate and drew out a fine double save to not only deny Al-Dawsari but also save Al-Breik’s follow-up.

The half ended on this thriller note as Poland led 1-0 at the break, knowing they weren’t completely in control of the game.

A third goal in his last 10 Poland appearances for Piotr Zielinski. The Napoli midfielder also now has 10 goals for his country.🇵🇱 pic.twitter.com/8REIs86358

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) November 26, 2022

SECOND HALF

Saudi had the first chance of the 2^nd half through Al-Dawsari but Szczesny make an impressive save.

At the other end, Milik rattled the crossbar with his header following a fine move from the left-flank. Saudi’s blushes were spared again as Lewandowski hit the post.

The Saudi side were tiring towards the end after incessant pressure from Poland and the European team finally reaped rewards.

Also read: Duke’s effort enough as Australia beat Tunisia 1-0 to seal a first win of Group D in FIFA WC 2022

Lewandowski made it 2-0 in the 82^nd minute after finishing clinically to score his first ever World Cup finals goal and seal the points.

He had another chance to score his 2^nd of the night but Al-Owais made another good save.

It was too little too late for Saudi Arabia as Poland won 2-0 and kept their qualification hopes alive with a first win of Group C.

Poland were hyped after Wojciech Szczesny saved the penalty AND the follow-up 🧱 pic.twitter.com/RI80ckAHhN

— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 26, 2022