Robert Lewandowski’s first World Cup goal and Wojciech Szczesny’s superb double save from a penalty gave Poland a 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia to send them top of Group C.
The Green Falcons failed to follow up their shock opening victory against Argentina as they spurned multiple chances at the Education City Stadium to suffer defeat in their second game.
Piotr Zielinski gave Poland the lead in the 39th minute as he smashed home from close range before Szczesny’s penalty heroics in first-half stoppage time, as he first denied Salem Al-Dawsari from the spot and then saved Mohammed Al-Burayk’s rebound.
In a frenetic second half, Poland hit the woodwork twice while Szczesny denied Al-Dawsari again from close range.
But Poland’s victory was sealed in the 82nd minute as Lewandowski capitalised on Abdulellah Al-Malki’s mistake to score for the first time in the competition in his fifth World Cup game.
Poland need just a point from their final group game against Argentina to reach the last 16, while Saudi Arabia still have a chance to qualify for the knockout stages in their final Group C match against Mexico.
