Poland’s footballers played a goalless match against Mexico in their first match at the World Cup in Qatar. Robert Lewandowski missed a penalty kick in the second half.
The White and Reds started their participation in the football World Cup on Tuesday. The match against Mexico had been touted from the start as the most important for both teams’ fate at the World Cup in Qatar. The meeting took on even greater significance after Saudi Arabia’s sensational victory against one of the tournament’s favourites, Argentina.
The beginning of the match was cautious on both sides. A more dangerous shot was only taken by the Mexicans in the 26th minute when Alexis Vega tried to beat Szczęsny with his head. Moments later, there was another scramble in the Polish penalty area, but without consequences. The rivals kept the pace at the end of the first half, but both teams went into the break with a goalless draw.
At halftime, selector Michniewicz decided to make one change. Krystian Bielik entered the pitch in place of Zalewski, who did not stand out in any special way. The Poles gave the field away and the rivals, encouraged by this cautious tactic, attacked more and more boldly. Meanwhile, it should have been the white and red team leading. Lewandowski won a battle for position in the penalty area and was knocked to the ground by Hector Moreno. After VAR intervention, the Australian referee pointed to an ‘eleven’. Lewy – usually infallible in such situations – this time shot too lightly from the limb and Ochoa perfectly sensed his intentions.
It wasn’t long before Wojciech Szczęsny showed his mettle. The goalkeeper from Juventus stopped Edson Alvarez’s strike with a beautiful parry. The picture of the game did not change. The Mexicans prevailed, and the Poles concentrated on not losing a goal and they succeeded.
The Polish squad will face Saudi Arabia in their second group match at the World Cup in Qatar on Saturday.
Mexico – Poland 0:0