Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny produced a stunning double save to deny Saudi Arabia an equaliser during the first half of the World Cup clash.
Saudi Arabia were largely on top but Poland delivered a major sucker punch in the 39th minute.
Aston Villa right-back Matty Cash’s ball into the box was picked up in front of the Saudi Arabia goalkeeper by Robert Lewandowski, who cooly played it back to Piotr Zielinski to slam into the back of the net to make it 1-0.
As the match approached half-time, Saudi Arabia were given a big chance to draw level after a VAR check deemed Krystian Bielik to have fouled Saleh Al-Shehri inside the penalty area.
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However, Salem Al-Dawsari saw his penalty saved by the Juventus goalkeeper, Szczesny then got up super quickly to deny Mohammed Al-Burayk from the rebound.
A stunning double save from the former Arsenal goalkeeper to preserve Poland’s lead as they went into the half-time interval ahead by a goal.
Saudi Arabia have been the surprise package so far in the World Cup after their incredible comeback victory against one of the hot favourites to win the tournament, Argentina.
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Two second-half goals from the Middle Eastern country cancelled out Lionel Messi’s first-half penalty.
Ahead of their match against Poland, manager Herve Renard said: “Nothing has changed. We are still the lowest team in the group in terms of ranking and experience.
“The only good thing at the end of this stage is to finish number one or two.”
The Frenchman added: “We know where we come from and we keep our humility because if we don't have the humility we won't be able to play a good game.”
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A big second half lies ahead as they look to secure a victory that will send them through to the last 16 of the World Cup.
Topics: Poland, Football, Football World Cup, Saudi Arabia
Marcus Chan