World Cup: Lewandowski misses penalty as Poland and Mexico draw 0-0
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Poland forward Robert Lewandowski rueing his penalty miss against Mexico.
PHOTO: AFP
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DOHA – Poland coach Czeslaw Michniewicz felt for his star player Robert Lewandowski, who failed to convert a penalty in their 0-0 draw with Mexico on Tuesday, but believes the experienced striker will come good at the World Cup.
Lewandowski missed his chance to finally claim a World Cup goal in a match that left Saudi Arabia as the early leaders of Group C after their shock win over Argentina.
His shot was saved by 37-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who forged his reputation as a reliable shot-stopper who ups his game at World Cups.
“These things happen,” Michniewicz said.
“You could see he was feeling down about the situation, it was all fresh. We had a screen in the dressing room that showed replays from the match and, among other situations, the penalty kick. Robert looked at it, analysed it.
“I told him I felt very sorry for him because I know what a captain feels when he doesn’t score in a match that doesn’t end in a win.
“We will support him and I know that he will still help us a lot in this tournament.”
This seems of little consolation, however, as the 34-year-old Lewandowski, likely playing at his second and last World Cup, missed one of his best chances to score on football’s biggest stage.
The striker, who had practised penalties on the eve of the game, tried to stay positive.
“Today it didn’t work out, so it hurts, but we have to look to the next match,” he said.
Despite the goal-less draw, the match was still full of atmosphere at Stadium 974, a temporary arena built using 974 recycled shipping containers that overlooks the Arabian Gulf.
A sea of Mexico fans in green outnumbered their Polish counterparts and made their presence felt in the 40,000-capacity venue.
The Mexicans gave a stirring rendition of their national anthem that reduced winger Alexis Vega, who is playing at his first World Cup, to tears.
Right after kick-off, the fans raised the volume with a Mexican wave that swept through the stands while the unique metal structure of the stadium reverberated as they bounced up and down with chants of “Mexico, Mexico!”
A flowing game of few fouls, and fewer chances, came to life around the half-hour mark when Vega saw his header fly wide before Jesus Gallardo was denied by a last-man tackle when he had an open goal at his mercy two minutes later.
Mexico had the bulk of possession but, without Raul Jimenez spearheading the attack, Henry Martin struggled to get on the end of chances in the box.
Mexico’s goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa saves a penalty shot by Poland’s Robert Lewandowski.
PHOTO: AFP
“We were on the front foot in the first half, we deserved an advantage at half-time,” Mexico coach Gerardo Martino said.
“The penalty was a mistake from us but I think we should have won the game given what we did in the first half.” REUTERS, AFP
