▲ Robert Lewandowski of Poland


Poland and Mexico drew goalless in the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.



Poland and Mexico were tied 0-0 in the first leg of Group C at the Guchilsa (974) Stadium in Doha, Qatar.



This is the second goalless match of this tournament following the previous match, Denmark-Tunisia in Group D.



Poland was regretful that Robert Lewandowski, the team's focal point and a candidate for the Golden Ball (World Cup top scorer), missed a penalty kick.



Mexico, which stirred up the space behind Poland's defense with quick feet, also missed many scoring opportunities due to lack of decisiveness.



In the first half, where both teams were fruitless, it was Mexico who showed more of a threat.



In the 26th minute of the first half, Alexis Vega's header slightly missed the goal for Mexico, swallowing its disappointment.



In the 44th minute of the first half, Vega fired a surprise shot from the right side of the penalty area, but it was blocked by Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.



It was in the second half that the game really caught fire.



Poland had a golden opportunity to score the first goal in the 10th minute of the second half when Lewandowski, who was caught and knocked down by Hector Moreno in front of Mexico's goal, scored a penalty kick through video review (VAR).



European football's leading goalscorer Lewandowski, however, blew away a scoring opportunity thanks to a save by Mexican goalkeeper David Ochoa.



Lewandowski looked at the right corner of the goal and kicked it accurately, but Ochoa, who read the direction, blew his body and bounced the ball away.



Lewandowski, who scored only three group stage matches in Russia four years ago, his first World Cup appearance, bowed his head in Qatar and postponed his first goal in the World Cup.



Polish goalkeeper Szczesny also made a super save in the 19th minute of the second half, blocking Henry Martin's header, which only slightly changed direction with his head right in front of the goal.



In the second half, both teams attempted to turn the tide of the game with three replacement cards each.



However, Poland and Mexico were unable to open the net until the 7th minute of added time, and the game ended in a 0-0 draw.



Poland and Mexico, who share one point each, are tied for second place in Group C.



1st place in Group C is Saudi Arabia, which won 3 points by beating Argentina 2-1 on the 22nd and producing the biggest surprise of the tournament.



On the 26th, Poland will play the second group match against Saudi Arabia at Al Rayyan Education City Stadium in Qatar.



Mexico will face Argentina at Lusail Stadium on the 27th.



(Photo = Getty Image Korea)