Robert Lewandowski scored his first World Cup goal as Poland secured a crucial win over Saudi Arabia to open Group C.
The Barcelona striker capitalized on a mistake by Saudi Arabian midfielder Abdullah al-Maliki before sending a composed finish past goalkeeper Mohamed Al Owais.
Lewandowski, who missed a penalty in Tuesday’s goalless draw with Mexico, was visibly emotional after his four-match World Cup run without a net ended.
Piotr Zielinski gave Poland a first-half lead from Lewandowski’s cut-back, but Saudi Arabia were awarded a penalty five minutes later after Christian Baleic’s foul on Saleh al-Shahri.
Wojciech Szczesny blocked Salem Al-Dossari’s effort before producing a sensational one-handed stop to prevent Mohamed El Borek from burying the rebound.
Saud Abdelhamid was denied by Szczany and Al-Berikan from firing over the bar in the second half, while Arkadiusz Malik and Lewandowski were both denied by the woodwork as Poland tried to double their lead on the counter-attack. .
Lewandowski’s late strike ended Saudi Arabia’s hopes of building on Tuesday’s impressive victory over Argentina and boosted Poland’s chances of reaching the last 16 for the first time since 1986, when they were beaten by Brazil in the first knockout round. was defeated by 4-0.
Czeslaw Michniewicz’s side need just a point against Argentina on Wednesday to qualify from Group C, while Saudi Arabia face Mexico for a place in the last 16.
Wasteful Saudi Arabia missed the opportunity.
Lewandowski will grab the headlines after breaking his duck at the World Cup, but Saudi Arabia will be sorely disappointed not to be able to maintain their unbeaten start to the tournament in Qatar after finding Szczesny in impressive form.
Backed by an enthusiastic and partisan crowd inside the Education City Stadium, Saudi Arabia applied early pressure and were denied a stunning opener when the former Arsenal goalkeeper palmed Mohamed Kanu’s powerful drive over the crossbar. .
Poland looked increasingly rattled as the Green Falcons continued to advance in waves, but Bilic’s goal-bound header was cleared to safety by Al Shahri before Zielinski took the lead with his first shot on target.
Bielik’s challenge on Al Shahri shortly before half-time was initially disallowed by referee Wilton Sampaio, but the Brazilian had no hesitation in pointing to the chance after reviewing the incident on his pitch-side monitor.
If Szczesny’s save from Al-Dusri’s spot-kick was impressive, his finger-tip stop from Alborek’s follow-up effort was superb – and something he will lose at this World Cup.
There was little change in the style of play in the second half, with Szczesny sending a powerful, left-footed shot over the bar at the feet of Abdelhamid and Albrekan.
But Poland continued to be a threat on the counter-attack as Malik drove a powerful header against the crossbar, before Lewandowski’s near-post flick also came back off the woodwork.
It was al-Maliki’s heavy touch that ultimately proved decisive, ending Saudi Arabia’s hopes of becoming the first Qatari team to reach the last 16.
Lewandowski could have doubled his tally and Poland’s tally in stoppage time, but Al Ouise blocked the striker’s effort with a strong hand.
