Sports

Lewandowski scores first World Cup goal as Poland beat Saudi Arabia 2-0

Barcelona striker, 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.

Saudi Arabia 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 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.

READ ALSO: World Cup: England held to 0-0 draw by U.S.

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.

The win moved Poland to four points, one more than the Saudis, and left them needing a draw in their final game against Argentina next Wednesday to guarantee their spot in the knockouts.

Poland need just a draw against Argentina to qualify for the last 16, while Saudi Arabia can still progress to the knockout stages in their final match against Mexico.

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

US fast-tracks $16.4bn arms sales to Gulf allies amid Iran conflict

The United States has approved military sales worth $16.46 billion to the United Arab Emirates…

1 hour ago

Adeboye’s wife: I threw my gold jewellery into lagoon after becoming born again

Foluke Adeboye, wife of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG),…

2 hours ago

Tinubu fed you for decades — FFK slams Momodu over criticism

Nigerian ambassador-designate Femi Fani-Kayode has called on veteran journalist and politician Dele Momodu to stop…

2 hours ago

Tinubu, Starmer meet in London for bilateral talks

President Bola Tinubu has held talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as part of…

4 hours ago

Army busts illegal mining operation in Abuja

Troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended eight individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining…

5 hours ago

Elumelu Foundation to empower 3,200 entrepreneurs, announces 2026 cohort March 22

The Tony Elumelu Foundation, the philanthropy empowering young African entrepreneurs, will announce the 12th cohort…

5 hours ago

This website uses cookies.