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.
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.
Watch the highlights video from the match between Poland and Saudi Arabia played at Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan on Saturday, 26 November 2022.
Polska vs Arabia Saudyjska (2-0) Wideo, wynik końcowy: Robert Lewandowski zdobywa pierwszego gola na Mistrzostwach Świata w decydującym zwycięstwie.
Group C - FIFA World Cup 2022 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
 Argentina |
6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 5 | 13 |
 Mexico |
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
 Poland |
4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
 Saudi Arabia |
3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Argentina | 1 | - | 2 | Saudi Arabia | |
| Al Daayen, Lusail City – November 22, 2022 10:00 am | |||||
| Mexico | 0 | - | 0 | Poland | |
| Stadium 974, Ras Abu Aboud. – November 22, 2022 4:00 pm | |||||
| Poland | 2 | - | 0 | Saudi Arabia | |
| Education City, Al Rayyan – November 26, 2022 1:00 pm | |||||
| Argentina | 2 | - | 0 | Mexico | |
| Al Daayen, Lusail City – November 26, 2022 7:00 pm | |||||
| Poland | 0 | - | 2 | Argentina | |
| Stadium 974, Ras Abu Aboud. – November 30, 2022 7:00 pm | |||||
| Saudi Arabia | 1 | - | 2 | Mexico | |
| Al Daayen, Lusail City – November 30, 2022 7:00 pm | |||||
