Guillermo Ochoa saved a Robert Lewandowski penalty as Mexico and Poland performed out a 0-0 draw of their World Cup Group C opener in Doha.
Mexico have been the extra harmful facet in a sport bereft of real attacking high quality, however Poland had the very best probability to assert all three factors when Lewandowski was introduced down within the space by Hector Moreno and a penalty was awarded after a VAR overview.
Lewandowski dusted himself down however noticed a tame spot-kick saved by 37-year-old goalkeeper Ochoa, who’s making a report fifth look on the World Cup finals.
Ochoa’s heroics galvanised Mexico’s gamers, and their fervent help within the stands, however they have been unable to transform that right into a victory, as a share of the spoils left each nations behind Group C leaders Saudi Arabia – who shocked Argentina earlier on Tuesday – after one sport performed.
Lewandowski fails to interrupt Mexico stalemate
Ochoa celebrates with team-mate Edson Alvarez after saving Lewandowski’s penalty
Mexico nearly shaded a cagey opening quarter and registered the sport’s first probability when Alexis Vega rose on the again put up and despatched a header looping inches large.
Moments later, Jesus Gallardo’s run within the space compelled Wojciech Szczesny off his line however the Poland defence have been readily available after the ball ricocheted previous their goalkeeper.
After an uneventful first interval the sport got here to life after the break. Hirving Lozano’s dipping shot from distance compelled Szczesny into motion inside seven minutes of the restart earlier than a VAR intervention handed Poland the possibility to interrupt the impasse.
Hector Moreno tangles with Robert Lewandowski, conceding a penalty awarded by way of VAR
Moreno was adjudged to have hauled Lewandowski down within the space – the penalty was awarded regardless of Mexican protests – however goalkeeper Ochoa made a superb save to disclaim Poland’s all-time main goalscorer a maiden World Cup aim from 12 yards.
The situations have been set good for Mexico to push on and safe victory, however it didn’t materialise as each side settled for an opening-night level.
Robert Lewandowski holds his head in his fingers after seeing his penalty saved
What does the outcome imply?
The draw means Saudi Arabia stay prime of Group C after their shock victory over Argentina, with Herve Renard’s facet capable of qualify for the last-16 in the event that they beat Poland on Saturday.
It is also all to play for when Mexico face World Cup foes Argentina in 4 days’ time in a sport of must-win proportions for Lionel Messi and co.
What’s subsequent?
Mexico face Argentina on Saturday, kick-off 7pm, whereas Poland play Saudi Arabia earlier that day at 1pm.
The winners of Group C will face the runner-up from Group D, containing France, Denmark, Australia and Tunisia. The runner-up in Group C will face the winners of Group D.
#Mexico #Poland [crypto-donation-box type=”popup” show-coin=”all”]