Robert Lewandowski scored his first World Cup goal as Poland secured a crucial win over Saudi Arabia that leaves Group C wide open.
The Barcelona striker took advantage of an error from Saudi Arabia midfielder Abdelulelah Al Malki before sending a calm finish past goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais.
Lewandowski was visibly emotional after ending a four-game World Cup run without finding the net.
Piotr Zielinski had given Poland a first-half lead thanks to Lewandowski’s reduction, but Saudi Arabia were awarded a penalty five minutes later for Krystian Bielik’s foul on Saleh Al Shehri.
Wojciech Szczesny fended off Feras Al Brikan’s effort before making a sensational one-handed save to prevent Mohammed Al Burayk from burying the rebound.
Saud Abdulhamid was denied by Sczcesny and Al Brikan fired over the bar in the second half, while Arkadiusz Milik and Lewandowski were both denied by the woodwork as Poland looked to double their lead on the counter offensive.
Lewandowski’s late strike ended Saudi construction hopes on Tuesday remarkable victory over Argentina and bolsters Poland’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages for the first time since 1986, when they were beaten 4-0 by Brazil in the first knockout round.
Czeslaw Michniewicz’s side face Argentina in their final Group C game on Wednesday, while Saudi Arabia play Mexico at the same time.
