Poland vs Saudi Arabia final score, result: Robert Lewandowski scores first World Cup goal in vital win

Piotr Zielinski's clinical first-half strike and Robert Lewandowski's first goal at a World Cup finals tournament gave Poland their first points in Qatar, and brought Saudi Arabia back down to earth after their sensational win against Argentina in Group C.

Napoli midfielder Zielinski fired in a thunderous volley to open his nation's account at the finals after Lewandowski had connected with Matty Cash's cross six minutes before the break.

Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny produced a sublime double save to thwart Saudi Arabia shortly after Zielinski struck, keeping out Salem Al-Dawsari's penalty and tipping Mohammed Al-Burayk's effort from the rebound over the crossbar.

🧤 Wojciech Szczęsny comes to the rescue from the penalty spot once again.

The Polish goalkeeper has now saved an impressive 25/86 career penalties (29%) after his double save against Saudi Arabia.#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/44WH0fIXpX

— Sporting News Football Club (@sn_footballclub) November 26, 2022

Arkadiusz Milik and Lewandowski both hit the woodwork before the Poland captain gleefully pounced on a heavy touch by Abdulelah Al-Malki to double Poland's lead late on.

The testy early stages saw five yellow cards – the most in the first half of a World Cup match since the notoriously physical 2010 final between Netherlands and Spain.

Poland now face Argentina in their group decider, while Saudi Arabia will attempt to make the Round of 16 for the first time since 1994 when they meet Mexico.

🔥 After a dream start to the #FIFAWorldCup, the Saudi Arabian fans are ready for more.

🎥: @alaa_saeed88 pic.twitter.com/XgfibgDBHb

— Sporting News Football Club (@sn_footballclub) November 26, 2022

Super Szczesny saves Poland

In a first half when Poland appeared to have left their confidence in Krakow, inspired Szczesny was the difference between the sides.

Saudi Arabia had all of the belief their opponents seemed bereft of early on, pinging passes around slickly in midfield with a serenity that occasionally gave the impression they had a numerical advantage.

Unfortunately for Saudi Arabia head coach Herve Renard, who was on typically animated form on the touchline and never seen in his seat, the Juventus goalkeeper's intervention was superheroic in the context of the first half.

The penalty award was highly contentious and Szczesny's brilliance proved the turning point. As the second half wore on in front of Saudi fans who rarely stopped urging their side on, Poland gradually gained control of the balance of chances and energy levels.

👏 After extending Poland's lead to 2-0, Robert Lewandowski has now equaled Pele's record of 77 international goals.#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/MFCq4NSn4S

— Sporting News Football Club (@sn_footballclub) November 26, 2022

Milik headed against the crossbar shortly before Lewandowski flicked a finish against the woodwork, and it wasn't long before the reigning FIFA Men's Best Player had the goal that had eluded him for almost 16 appearances at the finals.

Lewandowski's highly emotional celebration showed how little he will care that the 77th and arguably most momentous goal of his Poland career was the result of defensive misfortune.

By then, Poland's conviction, spurred by multiple chances to play the counter-attacking game they prefer, had risen as much as the underdogs' energy levels had waned.

Now Lewandowski will meet Messi to decide who reaches the knockout stages. Saudi Arabia, too, face a defining game against a Mexico side they have shown they are capable of beating – and they should not be disheartened by this performance, which could have earned victory had they found more cutting edge.

The Sporting News tracked live scoring updates and highlights for Poland vs Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup. Follow for complete results from the Group C match in Qatar.

MORE: Poland vs. Saudi Arabia prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets for World Cup 2022 group stage clash

Poland vs Saudi Arabia score

Goals: POL – Zielinski (39), Lewandowski (82)

Lineups:

Poland (4-1-3-2 right to left): 1. Szczesny (GK) — 2. Cash, 14. Kiwior, 15. Glik, 8. Bereszynski — 10. Krychowiak —24. Frankowski, 20. Zielinski, 6. Bielik — 9. Lewandowski, 7. Milik

Saudi Arabia (4-5-1, right to left): 21. Al-Owais (GK) — 12. Abdulhamid, 17. Al Burayk, 5. Al-Boleahi, 3. Madu — 9. Al-Buraikan 23. Kanno, 8. Al-Malki, 7. Al-Faraj, 10. Al-Dawsari — 11. Al-Shehri

MORE: Watch every World Cup match live with fuboTV (U.S.-only free trial)

Poland vs Saudi Arabia as it happened, highlights from 2022 World Cup

FULLTIME: Poland 2-0 Saudi Arabia

Poland ensure it's all to play for on the final day in this group! Thanks for joining us – we'll have a full report and analysis above these updates shortly.

82 mins: GOAL – Poland 2-0 Saudi Arabia

Robert Lewandowski has his first World Cup goal!

Abdulelah Al-Malki takes a sloppy touch, gifting the ball to the man you don't want to chuck it to in that situation. You know what happens next!

77 mins: Poland 1-0 Saudi Arabia

No chance of Saudi Arabia giving up, nor their fervent fans in the stadium. Feras Al-Brikan sends a left-footed shot wide, causing consternation in parts of the stands.

72 mins: Poland 1-0 Saudi Arabia

Poland look considerably more comfortable right now than Saudi Arabia, who are running out of puff a little.

Herve Renard is his hyperactive self on the sideline, just in case any more unpredictability was needed.

68 mins: Poland 1-0 Saudi Arabia

Now Lewandowski hits the woodwork! This time it's a more deft touch to meet a cross from the right.

This game is enjoyably chaotic. It's important not to revert to cliche and say anything along the lines of the next goal being crucial.

64 mins: Poland 1-0 Saudi Arabia

Arkadiusz Milik powers a header off the crossbar!

Poland so nearly bag a second to all-but kill the game off. They enjoy playing on the break – and it shows.

60 mins: Poland 1-0 Saudi Arabia

Another huge roar goes up Salem Al-Dawsari shows some brilliant footwork to keep hold of the ball and release Feras Al-Brikan on the left, who fires over the crossbar.

55 mins: Poland 1-0 Saudi Arabia

Szczesny to the rescue again!

First Salem Al-Dawsari shoots over the crossbar, then the same player arrows the ball towards goal from close range. No way through as the goalkeeper celebrates another excellent acrobatic save.

50 mins: Poland 1-0 Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia are pushing. We've seen a few questionable crosses early in this half, as well as an overhead kick.

Can they come from behind again?

46 mins: We're off again! Saudi Arabia, in search of hitting back, making one change: Nawaf Al-Abid is on for Sami Al-Naji.

HALFTIME: Poland 1-0 Saudi Arabia

How much drama did we condense into the closing stages of that half?

It was all Saudi Arabia until Zielinski clinically gave Poland the lead. The team who broke their goals drought were then the victims of a contentious VAR call – but Szczesny swung into superheroic action to preserve their lead.

Can Saudi Arabi produce another comeback? Will Poland play more on the front foot now? This is intriguingly poised.

🧤 Wojciech Szczęsny comes to the rescue from the penalty spot once again.

The Polish goalkeeper has now saved an impressive 25/86 career penalties (29%) after his double save against Saudi Arabia.#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/44WH0fIXpX

— Sporting News Football Club (@sn_footballclub) November 26, 2022

45 mins: Poland 1-0 Saudi Arabia

Poland cling on to their lead after a few minutes of intense drama!

Bielik is adjudged to have caught Al-Shehri's ankle after the referee and VAR take umpteen looks at various replay angles.

Salem Al-Dawsari's low penalty is stopped by Wojciech Szczesny, and the goalkeeper produces a sensational second save to deny Mohammed Al-Burayk.

Nerve-shredding entertainment!

40 mins: GOAL - Poland 1-0 Saudi Arabia

Poland have their best move of the game. Cash overlaps, Lewandowski misses his chance from the cross at the near post, and Zielinski shows him how to do it with an emphatic finish.

1-0!

37 mins: Poland 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Ali Al-Bulayhi has been down for a while after Lewandowski appeared to accidentally step on his hand. He's up now after some theatrical gesturing from the Saudi physio.

33 mins: Poland 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Chance for Saudi Arabia! Saleh Al-Shehri narrowly fails to put enough purchase on an attempted header after his side do well to locate him with a cross.

29 mins: Poland 0-0 Saudi Arabia

It's a fifth booking as Herve Renard's chief sidekick is booked on the Saudi Arabia bench.

This has been a spicy start to the showdown.

27 mins: Poland 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Now Poland have had a chance! Krystian Bielik sends a firm header towards goal from a corner and Saleh Al-Shehri has to be alert to head it over the crossbar.

Close!

24 mins: Poland 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Robert Lewandowski is cutting a familiar toiling figure up front for Poland. It's a complete contrast from the way much of his club career has gone.

21 mins: Poland 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Abdulelah Al-Malki goes into the book. He'll now miss Saudi Arabia's third group game, against Mexico.

18 mins: Poland 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Matty Cash has been having a torrid time down his flank. Now he becomes the third Poland player booked already. Mexico were the last team to do that inside 20 minutes of a World Cup match – all the way back in 2002.

16 mins: Poland 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Jakub Kiwior clumsily brings down Saleh Al-Shehri and cops the first booking of the game. Poland are looking increasingly frustrated.

13 mins: Poland 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Superb save from Wojciech Szczesny! Mohammed Kanno does brilliantly to hold off four players, keep his composure and hammer a shot towards goal from distance, only to see it tipped over the crossbar by the springing goalkeeper.

10 min: Poland 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Anyone who had a flutter on Saudi Arabia, who were long odds to win before the start of this game, will be pleased with what they have seen so far.

They've started where they left off against Argentina, backed by a boisterous following.

7 min: Poland 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Matty Cash swerves a harmless cross into the penalty area of Saudi Arabia, who win a corner shortly afterwards but can't do any damage with it.

5 min: Poland 0-0 Saudi Arabia

This has been a tricky start for Poland. The roar of the fans feels almost exclusively for Saudi Arabia, who are passing the ball slickly in midfield and looking supremely confident.

3 min: Poland 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Sami Al-Naji is clearly in the mood. Having watched his side's defence robustly dispossess Robert Lewandowski, he tries to create danger in the opposition half and is brought down, although his appeal for a freekick fails.

1 min: Poland 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia have made the brighter start here. They are showing no signs of nerves – as well they might not, after that exceptional win over Argentina.

5 mins from kickoff: The national anthems are ringing out! We're almost ready to go.

30 mins from kickoff: Poland's starting XI in this game has an average age of 29 years and 124 days; their oldest for a World Cup match, with today being their 36th in the competition overall.

1 hr from kickoff: Team news! Saudi Arabia: Mohammed Al-Owais, Mohammed Al-Burayk, Ali Al-Bulayhi, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Saud Abdulhamid, Abdulelah Al-Malki, Salem Al-Dawsari, Mohammed Kanno, Sami Al-Naji, Feras Al-Brikan, Saleh Al-Shehri.

Poland: Wojciech Szczesny, Jakub Kiwior, Kamil Glik, Bartosz Bereszynski, Przemyslaw Frankowski, Grzegorz Krychowiak, Krystian Bielik, Matty Cash, Piotr Zielinski, Robert Lewandowski, Arkadiusz Milik

1 hr 30 from kickoff: Against Argentina last time out, Salem Al-Dawsari became just the second Saudi Arabia player to score in more than one edition of the World Cup, along with Sami Al-Jaber (3). Another goal for Al-Dawsari would see him become the country's joint top goal scorer at the World Cup, level with Al-Jaber.

2 hrs from kickoff: Saudi Arabia scored with both of their shots on target against Argentina – they've netted at least twice in consecutive games for the first time ever in the World Cup but have never scored three goals in a single game in the competition. Time to change that?

3 hrs from kickoff: In the likelihood of Lewandowski playing today, he'll make his 16th appearance at a major tournament for Poland – behind only Wladislaw Zmuda (21) and Grzegorz Lato (20).

3 hrs 30 from kickoff: Saudi Arabia are in fine form and their defensive stats stand out: they've lost one of their last six matches and conceded one goal or less in 16 of their 17 most recent games.

 

 

 

 

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4 hrs from kickoff: It goes without saying that reigning Best FIFA Men's Player Robert Lewandowski is the most likely player to find the net for Poland.

The Barcelona hotshot is without a goal in four World Cup appearances, though, and he's sent in 11 shots during that time, as well as missing a penalty against Mexico last time out.

 

 

 

 

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4 hrs 30 from kickoff: Poland's record of six goalless games out of 35 at the finals gives them the highest percentage of those of any team to play at least 15 games at the tournament (17%).

They last played out consecutive draws in the finals in 1982 against Italy and Cameroon – which were both goalless. Surely not another today?

5 hrs from kickoff: Welcome to today's World Cup clash between Poland and Saudi Arabia. Herve Renard's men sprung one of the shocks of the tournament's history by beating Argentina in their opening game — could Robert Lewandowski and Co. be next?

Poland vs Saudi Arabia lineups, team news

Poland coach Czeslaw Michniewicz has hinted that he is ready to go all-out attack as Poland look to improve on their drab draw with Mexico.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the game, the 52-year-old declared: "We want to play forward and play bolder. We're ready to play our way. I think there are two equal teams."

It has been suggested that a change of formation could be on the cards for Poland for that reason, with Arkadiusz Milik set to be benefit.

The inclusion of another striker would certainly help avoid Barcelona man Lewandowski being left as isolated as he was in his country's opening game.

Poland (4-1-3-2 right to left): 1. Szczesny (GK) — 2. Cash, 14. Kiwior, 15. Glik, 8. Bereszynski — 10. Krychowiak —13. Kaminski, 20. Zielinski, 6. Bielik — 9. Lewandowski, 7. Milik

Saudi Arabia will be without Yasser Al-Shahrani after he was forced to undergo surgery following a sickening clash with his own goalkeeper during the win over Argentina.

However, he is likely to be the only absentee for Herve Renard's side.

Saudi Arabia (4-5-1, right to left): 21. Al-Owais (GK) — 12. Abdulhamid, 17. Tambakti, 5. Al-Boleahi, 3. Madu — 9. Al-Buraikan 23. Kanno, 8. Al-Malki, 7. Al-Faraj, 10. Al-Dawsari — 11. Al-Shehri

Poland vs. Saudi Arabia live stream, TV channel

The match will start at 4 p.m. local time and take place at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, which opened in November 2021, has a capacity of 80,000 and will also host the final of the tournament.

Watch the match on fuboTV in USA