Reality check for Saudi Arabia at World Cup after 2-0 loss to Poland

AL RAYYAN, Qatar: Fresh from writing their names into footballing folklore after a fairytale win over Argentina, Saudi Arabia were handed a harsh reality check at the World Cup on Saturday (Nov 26) after losing 2-0 to Poland.

In a game where they were cavalier but not clinical, the Green Falcons’ wings were clipped by goals from Piotr Zielinski and Robert Lewandowski.

The Poles are now top of Group C with four points, while the Saudis are second with three. Mexico will face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the day’s last match.

The result sets up Group C for a tantalising finish, with Saudi Arabia up against Mexico in their final group game on Wednesday, and Poland meeting Argentina.

Buoyed by a sea of green in the stands, the Saudis showed early intent against a side 25 places ahead in the world rankings, with a speculative shot from Mohammed Alburayk deflected over.

Their opponents had drawn 0-0 with Mexico in their opening game after star striker Lewandowski had a penalty saved by Guillermo Ochoa, and on Saturday they struggled to get a grip on the game early on.

It was Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny who was forced into an acrobatic save minutes later to deny Mohamed Kanno an opener.

The Poles continued to look rattled, and picked up three yellow cards in quick succession.

Yet they almost had their first goal of the tournament in the 26th minute as a thumping Krystian Bielik header from a corner was blocked by a Saudi defender. 

The Saudi supporters continued to urge their team on, roaring every successful tackle, cheering every completed pass and jeering every Polish touch.

But they were silenced in the 39th minute after Zielinski smashed home from a Lewandowski cutback.

The Saudis’ best chance to grab an equaliser came just