At the Education City Stadium in Doha, Poland and Saudi Arabia clashed heads in Matchday Two of the World Cup group stage. While the Arabs were hoping to secure qualification with second win, it was the Polish who emerged victorious with two unanswered goals. Piotr Zielinski broke the deadlock in the first half and Robert Lewandowski broke his World Cup duck by doubling the lead in the second period. So let’s check out the player ratings for Poland who secured their first win in the tournament at the expense of Saudi Arabia.
Poland (4-4-2)
Wojciech Szczesny – 8
A top class display from the Juventus custodian who pulled off one fantastic save after the other. Denied Al-Dawsari from the spot before parrying away the rebound with a stunning reflex save.
Matty Cash – 6.5
The Aston Villa fullback started on a low note and could have gotten himself sent off with a second yellow card. However, it was his thrilling run from the right side that instigated the opening goal.
Kamil Glik – 7
The Benevento veteran was a rock at the back. He may not be the fastest but no one managed to pass through or beat him in the air.
Jakub Kiwior – 6.5
The Spezia defender is garnering interest from all over Europe, and he added to his resume with solid shift at the back. Did well to mark Al-Shehri out of the match.
Bartosz Bereszynski – 5.5
It wasn’t the most memorable outing from the Sampdoria right-back, perhaps because he was thrusted on the left. Almost gifted KSA a goal when he got himself cheaply dispossessed, while his contribution upfront was far from impressive.
Przemyslaw Frankowski – 6.5
The winger started on the left lane, but was present on the right side just in time to contribute in the opening goal. Provided Milik with a splendid assist.
Krystian Bielik – 5.5
An industrious display from the midfielder, but gave away a penalty kick when he clumsily tripped Al-Sherhi inside the box. Luckily for him, Szczesny bailed him out.
Grzegorz Krychowiak – 6.5
The former PSG man still possesses the ability to pick up a teammate with a long ball. The experienced midfielder remains vital for Poland.
Piotz Zielinksi – 6.5
The Napoli man didn’t enjoy a lively outing, nonetheless, he managed to put himself in the right place at the right time to smash home the unstoppable opener.
Arkadiusz Milik – 6
The Juventus striker got himself booked early on for a needless challenge. Almost doubled his team’s lead but his powerful header crashed against the bar.
Robert Lewandowski – 8
A sublime display from the legendary striker who was reduced to tears after finally opening his World Cup account. He was relentless upfront and brought his teammates into play, and his hard work resulted in an assist and a goal.
Read Our Player Ratings for Saudi Arabia
Substitutes
Jakub Kaminski – 5.5
The young winger replaced Zielinski in the second half but didn’t add much for his team’s cause.
Krysztof Piatek – 5.5
The Salernitana striker entered the pitch at a time when Poland were mostly focused on defending their lead, and thus, he saw little of the ball.
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