World Cup debut goal: Lewandowski celebrates victory against Saudi Arabia

Created: 2022-11-26Updated: 2022-11-26 4:12 p.m

World footballer Robert Lewandowski made sure of the final score.

© Peter Bryne/PA Wire/dpa

Robert Lewandowski sets course for the last 16 with Poland ahead of Messi game.

The world footballer celebrates the long-awaited first World Cup goal.

But the defeated Saudis still have chances.

Al-Rajjan - With Robert Lewandowski's acclaimed goal debut, Poland set course for the first World Cup round of 16 in 36 years.

The world footballer made the decision 2-0 (1-0) in the emotionally charged second group game against Saudi Arabia with his late goal in the 82nd minute and happily fell on the grass after his first goal in the fifth World Cup game .

Previously, the former Bayern striker paved the way to victory, which his team had to tremble for a long time, as the preparer for Piotr Zielinski's opening goal (39th).

This was particularly thanks to the outstanding goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who was repeatedly hugged by his teammates after some outstanding saves.

Szczesny saves a penalty

In the heated stoppage time of the first half, the Juve goalkeeper not only saved Salem Mohammed Al-Dausari's penalty, but also the follow-up shot by Mohammed Al-Buraik.

After the break, the Saudis, who had sensationally won against Argentina at the start, pushed vehemently for an equalizer in front of 44,259 spectators, but failed because of their own precision or because of Szczesny.

Poland's goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny (2nd from right) saved a penalty and the margin and was celebrated for it.

© Francisco Seco/AP/dpa

Poland go into Wednesday's final Group C game against Lionel Messi's Argentina with four points.

But the briskly attacking Saudis still have every chance of reaching the second round of 16 after 1994 with three points.

Lewandowski and Al-Dausari already had smiles on their faces before kick-off in the atmospheric and rather cool air-conditioned Education City Stadium.

At first it looked as if Saudi Arabia could pull off the next big World Cup coup after beating Messi & Co. 2-1 on an atmospheric soccer afternoon.

For long stretches they were better in the almost home game.

Green jerseys or white Thaub robes could be seen everywhere in the stands.

Pushed by the many fans, the Saudis let themselves be carried away with a bit of theatrics here and there.

Boos from the stands

Lewandowski, who, like all Poles, had to listen to a few boos from the stands after the Mexicans whistled in the previous 0-0 draw, received the welcome support he wanted in attack when Arkadiusz Milik came on.

But again and again he had to fend off a majority of defenders.

It was sometimes very rustic to the point - there were six yellow cards just before the break.

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The strong Szczesny also caused a strange scene just before the Polish leadership.

During an opponent's break in treatment, the keeper jogged 60 meters forward to give first Lewandowski and then Milik a few gestures.

A little later the gate fell.

When Zielinski scored, Lewandowski, who became world champion with FC Bayern Club in the same stadium in February 2021, almost scored a goal himself.

After Matty Cash's attack on the right wing, the 34-year-old was just missed by goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais, but then quickly and perfectly set up Zielinski.

He humorlessly hammered the ball under the crossbar.

Pole Piotr Zielinski (2nd from left) scored to make it 1-0.

© Peter Bryne/PA Wire/dpa

After the penalty kick, which was only given after viewing the video images and parried by Szczesny, Lewandowski was asked to act as a mediator to calm things down.

The anger about the penalty was huge, especially on the Polish bench.

After falling behind, the Saudis launched many attacks on the goal of the Poles, who for their part initially missed the reassuring 2-0 with aluminum goals from Milik (63rd) and Lewandowski (66th).

In the closing stages it was the Barcelona star who took advantage of a mistake in the opposing defense and completed it coldly.

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