An emotional Robert Lewandowski said he had fulfilled a childhood dream by scoring his first World Cup goal as he helped Poland to a 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia to send them top of Group C.
The Barcelona striker netted Poland’s second just four days after he missed a crucial penalty in his team’s opening goalless draw against Mexico.
Lewandowski slumped to the ground after scoring in the 82nd minute and was in tears as the 34-year-old returned to the centre circle as he finally scored in his fifth World Cup game.
“I think the older I get the more emotional I get, and I’m aware when it comes to World Cups it might be my last one actually,” he said.
“After I scored, everything that I had inside – the dreams and also the importance of the goal, and how I scored – all those dreams from childhood were fulfilled and came true.”
Lewandowski’s goal came after Piotr Zielinski had given Poland a 39th-minute lead which was followed by some stunning Wojciech Szczesny penalty heroics in first-half stoppage time.
The former Arsenal goalkeeper first denied Salem Al-Dawsari from the spot and then saved Mohammed Al-Burayk’s rebound.
But Poland’s victory was sealed late on as Lewandowski capitalised on Abdulellah Al-Malki’s mistake to score and leave Poland needing just a draw in their final game against Argentina on Wednesday to qualify for the last 16.
Meanwhile Saudi Arabia, who failed to follow up their shock opening victory against Argentina, still have the chance to progress to the knockout stages in their final match against Mexico. (Sky)