DOHA (AFP) – Robert Lewandowski scored the first World Cup goal of his prolific career on Saturday when he netted in Poland s 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia, bursting their bubble following the team s giant-killing act against Argentina.
Barcelona forward Lewandowski made sure Poland took a big step towards the last 16 in Qatar when he rolled home in the 82nd minute after being gifted the ball by Abdulelah Al-Malki.
However it was a battle for Czeslaw Michniewicz s side, who were leading at that point thanks to Piotr Zielinski s roofed finish and an incredible double save from Wojciech Szczesny after Salem Al-Dawsari s penalty late in the first half.
Poland leapfrogged the Saudis into first place in Group C, with Lionel Messi s Argentina facing Mexico later on Saturday.
Egged on by a vocal crowd, Herve Renard s Saudi team came out with the bit between their teeth and the Poles frequently struggled to handle their aggressive press.
Poland were shown three early yellow cards.
Mohamed Kanno had the game s first decent effort on goal, tipped over by Szczesny in the 13th minute.
Lewandowski initially found it hard to get into the game as he was immediately surrounded by a gang of defenders led by Ali Al-Bulayhi, who at one point looked to be heading out of the game after being accidentally studded by the Barca star.
Super Szczesny
Lewandowski played a key role in Poland s opener against the run of play in the 39th minute, pulling back for Zielinski to finish after nearly clipping home his first World Cup goal.
