Robert Lewandowski was denied a first World Cup goal when Guillermo Ochoa saved the striker’s second-half penalty to earn Mexico a deserved share of the spoils against Poland on Tuesday.
WOW. The moment Robert Lewandowski missed his penalty. The reaction from the Mexico fans is WILD. pic.twitter.com/HgGQx0Edai
— Emma Sanders (@em_sandy) November 22, 2022
FC Barcelona star Lewandowski’s effort from 12 yards was one of only two attempts on target from the Poles. The Central Americans were the more progressive team, but similarly short on clear opportunities. Wojcieh Szczesny in Poland’s goal readjusted his footing to repel a deflected Edson Alvarez shot and Alexis Vega skied a late strike from distance.
Poland had their golden chance when Lewandowski was impeded in the box by Hector Moreno, as the pair grappled in pursuit of a forward ball. Referee Chris Beath awarded the penalty after a VAR check but following a wait nearing four minutes Lewandowski saw his attempt to Ochoa’s left parried away by the veteran goalkeeper.
Poland’s record scorer Lewandowski has 76 international goals but his wait for a World Cup strike extends to a fifth game and his team’s meeting with Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
Guillermo Ochoa’s penalty save from Robert Lewandowski is the first one to be saved by a Mexican goalkeeper (excluding shootouts) since Oscar Bonfiglio denied Argentina’s Fernando Paternoster in 1930.
Player of the match:Guillermo Ochoa.
Poland will tackle Saudi Arabia on Saturday when Mexico meet Argentina.
Bengali