AL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — First it was Lionel Messi. Subsequent up, it’s Robert Lewandowski. The massive-name opponents hold coming for Saudi Arabia.After stunning Messi’s Argentina in one of many largest World Cup upsets, the Inexperienced Falcons flip their consideration to Lewandowski and his Poland group on Saturday.Saudi Arabia, the second lowest-ranked group within the event, may even guide its place within the second spherical with a win – a exceptional achievement for a facet with no foreign-based gamers.“We are going to work even more durable than within the earlier match,” midfielder Sami Al-Najei promised. “Everybody is aware of that the following match is extra vital than the earlier one.”That “earlier one” was Saudia Arabia’s 2-1 win over Argentina, one of many event favorites.“It was a superb match for us. We have been capable of present a superb picture for the Saudi Arabia nationwide group,” Saleh Al-Shehri, one of many goal-scorers. “However it’s simply three factors, we haven’t certified but.”Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari’s objectives blew open Group C and left the opposite rivals scrambling for factors after Mexico’s 0-0 draw with Poland.It was Lewandowski’s fourth World Cup recreation and his fourth with out scoring, too.Veteran Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa saved Lewandowski’s penalty within the second half to maintain the sport goalless.Scoring is second nature to Lewandowski, Poland’s report goal-scorer with 76 objectives. He netted 312 objectives in 384 Bundesliga video games earlier than switching to Barcelona within the offseason. He has 13 objectives in 14 La Liga video games for Barcelona to this point.However scoring for Poland isn’t as simple in coach Czeslaw Michniewicz’ 4-3-2-1 formation. Lewandowski has by no means made any secret of his desire for taking part in with a strike companion, and never alone, ready for service from deep-lying teammates.“There’s room for enchancment going ahead, we now have to danger extra,” Lewandowski mentioned. “It’s very arduous for a ahead to trace to this point again. But when the coach has these ways, then we now have to regulate. After all, as a ahead I want for extra of the ball.”Lewandowski ought to see extra of it towards Saudi Arabia, which needed to depend on goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais to finish the victory over Argentina with a pair of late saves.A win for Poland would go away each groups on 3 factors with all to play for of their closing video games in Group C. Poland faces Argentina 4 days later, whereas Saudi Arabia will play Mexico.___
After Messi comes Lewandowski for Saudi Arabia at World Cup
