Mexico 0 Poland 0: Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski MISSES penalty as World Cup 2022 group opener ends in bore draw

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI’S wait for a World Cup goal continues as he blew the chance to put his country in Pole position in Group C.

Lewandowski had the opportunity to break his tournament duck with a 57th-minute penalty after the VAR spotted he had been tugged to the ground by Hector Moreno.

GettyRobert Lewandowski missed a penalty as Poland drew 0-0 against Mexico[/caption]

AFPThe Barcelona star’s effort was saved by Guillermo Ochoa in today’s group stage clash[/caption]

But the Barcelona star could not deliver the goal he and the game had been crying out for, because veteran Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa made a fantastic save.

Victory for Poland, would have been hard on the Mexicans.

Their supporters brought the atmosphere and their team provided most of the attacking intent, but they could not turn it into the goal they needed.

And in the end neither side was able to take advantage of Argentina’s shock defeat by Saudi Arabia by winning the match and taking a big step towards the knockout stages.

Mexico’s magnificent fans hugely outnumbered their opponents’, making it feel like a home match for Tata Martino’s men.

They looked dangerous down the flanks from the start, but centre back Moreno headed over the bar from left back Jesus Gallardo’s cross, while Alexis Vega nodded wide after a Hector Herrera delivery.

Chances were few and far between until right back Jorge Sanchez stung Wojciech Szczesny’s hands with a rising drive in the dying moments of the first half.

Poland were like an Alpine resort in summertime – plenty of Skis about, but not much excitement.

AFPOpportunities were few and far between in a tight clash[/caption]

APAston Villa star Matty Cash had a solid game in defence for Poland[/caption]

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Lewandowski, barring one sweeping pass and a deflected header in the opening minutes, was an isolated figure. 

Soon after half time Szczesny had to fist away a Luis Chavez corner but then disaster seemed to have struck for Mexico.

Australian referee Chris Beath missed Moreno pulling on Lewandowski’s shirt, but the VAR did not, and Beath agreed after taking a look on the monitor.

Up stepped the great man himself, but down went Ochoa to his left to make a superb save.

AFPLewandowski won his penalty after being hauled down by Hector Moreno[/caption]

GettyThe Barcelona star stepped up confidently to the plate[/caption]

The roar of triumph from the Mexican fans was ear-splitting.

Temperatures were rising, and one of Martino’s staff was shown a yellow card.

Edson Alvarez’s hit a tame-ish shot but the otherwise quiet Henry Martin diverted it with his head and Szczesny had to be alert to make the save.

Martino sent on Raul Jimenez for Martin with just under 20 minutes to go, but he wasted a good break and Mexico could not create a clear-cut chance.

Grzegorz Krychowiak fired wide in stoppage-time from distance, and Lewandowski and Poland were left to rue missing their golden opportunity.

GettyMexico goalie Ochoa produced a top save to keep Poland at bay[/caption]

AFPLewandowski’s wait for a first World Cup goal goes on[/caption]