Renard – Saudi Arabia are not at the World Cup “just for a jolly”
Poland take on Saudi Arabia in Group C of World Cup 2022 this afternoon and will be hoping to improve on their goalless draw against Mexico which saw Robert Lewandowski mess up an opportunity to earn the European side three points when he missed a penalty in the second half. Group C is delicately poised and Poland will realise that a win today puts them within touching distance of the knockouts ahead of a difficult final group game versus Argentina.
Saudi Arabia meanwhile produced the shock result of the tournament so far when they came from behind to defeat Argentina 2-1 in their opening game. Such was the surprise of the result that a public holiday was called in their country to celebrate. That win means that the Saudis will reach the last 16 if they also defeat Poland today.
Reaching the knockout stage would be a historic landmark for Saudi Arabia. They did so on their World Cup debut in 1994 but haven’t made it out of the groups in their previous four campaigns.
Yet, injuries could be a factor in deciding which way the game goes. Poland’s Krystian Bielik and Bartosz Bereszynski both picked up knocks against Mexico and are doubts for the game whilst Saudi Arabia will be without defender Yasser Al Shahrani who is expected to miss the rest of the tournament.
Follow all the action from Qatar with our live blog below:
Poland 0-0 Saudi Arabia
13 mins: Save! Oh what a strike!
Saudi Arabia sweep down the right wing and carry the ball to the right side of the box before pulling it back to Mohamed Kanno. He laces a powerful strike from the edge of the box and forces Wojciech Szczesny to palm the effort over the crossbar!
Michael Jones26 November 2022 13:14
Poland 0-0 Saudi Arabia
12 mins: Matty Cash and Abdulelah Al Malki collide after both try to win the same ball in midfield with the Poland defender punished for a lunging effort that takes out the Saudi Arabia midfielder.
Michael Jones26 November 2022 13:13
Poland 0-0 Saudi Arabia
9 mins: Saudi Arabia have started well and are pressing Poland trying to trouble the defenders when they have possession. Grzegorz Krychowiak brings an aerial pass under control and works it down the left wing.
He laces the ball into the box where Abdelelch Al Amri deflects it into the path of his own goalkeeper. This is better pressure from Poland.
Michael Jones26 November 2022 13:11
Poland 0-0 Saudi Arabia
6 mins: A long ball comes up to Arkadiusz Milik who brings the ball under control before slipping it down the line for Piotr Zielinski’s forward run.
He swings a deep cross over the head of Robert Lewandowski and picks out Matty Cash on the far side of the penalty area. Cahs puts the ball back into the middle and gives it straight to Mohammed Al Owais.
Michael Jones26 November 2022 13:07
Poland 0-0 Saudi Arabia
3 mins: Saudi Arabia’s first foray into the Poland final third sees Sami Alnajei cut inside and go to ground under pressure. He’s looking for a free kick but the referee signals for play to go on.
Michael Jones26 November 2022 13:05
Kick off: Poland 0-0 Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia could become the first team to reach the last 16 if they defeat Poland today. The European side kick off the match and send the ball over to the right wing.
Matty Cash brings the ball under control but can’t find a way around Mohammed Alburayk who wins the ball for Saudi Arabia.
Michael Jones26 November 2022 13:01
Poland vs Saudi Arabia
The players head out onto the pitch and the national anthems are played. A reminder that if Saudi Arabia win this afternoon they will be through to the last 16.
Poland need three points to keep their chances of a spot in the next stage alive.
Michael Jones26 November 2022 12:54
Bednarek backs Lewandowski
Robert Lewandski came under fire following Poland’s 0-0 draw against Mexico in their opening game especially after missing a penalty that would have seen them win the game.
He still has the backing of his team though with defender Jan Bednarek saying: “Robert is our captain, our striker.
“He wants to score for him but also the good of the team, that is most important. He wants us to win. I think he hides his pride in his pocket. I am convinced he places the team’s success at the top.”
Michael Jones26 November 2022 12:53
Poland vs Saudi Arabia
Poland’s Robert Lewandowski has not scored in four World Cup appearances, attempting 11 shots in this time while also missing a penalty against Mexico last time out.
Michael Jones26 November 2022 12:49
Poland vs Saudi Arabia
Poland attempted six shots against Mexico, their lowest tally in a World Cup match since Opta have this data from 1966, with their previous low being eight shots against Germany in 2006.
Michael Jones26 November 2022 12:45
Kaynak: briturkish.com
