Edson Alvarez (front) of Mexico competes during the Group C match between Mexico and Poland of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Ras Abu Aboud (974) Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Nov. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
DOHA, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- Robert Lewandowski missed a penalty as Poland were held to a goalless draw by Mexico in a Group C match at the 2022 FIFA World Cup here on Tuesday.
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who was appearing in his fifth World Cup, saved Poland's record scorer Lewandowski's penalty in the second half.
"I watched many videos to learn Lewandowski's habit of shooting penalty," said the 37-year-old. "Luckily I chose the right direction today."
Lewandowski scored 76 goals in 134 games for Poland, but still needs to wait longer for his first World Cup finals goal.
"I know how much he wanted to score in the World Cup," said Poland coach Czeslaw Michniewicz, adding that Lewandowski didn't miss a penalty in Monday's training. "But this is football, great players also miss penalty sometimes."
Mexico are unbeaten in their last seven opening match of the World Cup with five wins and two draws.
Mexico showed plenty of aggression in the first half but had little to show for it in terms of clear-cut opportunities, while Poland were solid at the back but lack of decent attacking football.
The only shot on target in the first half was from Mexico's Luis Chavez, whose strike from outside the box was saved by Wojciech Szczesny.
Poland were awarded a penalty after a VAR check for a foul on Lewandowski in the 56th minute, but the Polish captain fluffed it.
Henry Martin went close to break the deadlock for Mexico when his header from the center of the box was denied by Szczesny in the 64th minute.
Mexico will next play on Saturday against Argentina, who were shocked by Saudi Arabia 2-1 in an earlier match. Poland will face group leaders Saudi Arabia.
"It's unexpected that Argentina lost the game, but they are still among the favorites to win the championship. We must play more clever in the next match," said Mexico coach Gerardo Martino. ■
Guillermo Ochoa, goalkeeper of Mexico, makes a save during the Group C match between Mexico and Poland of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Ras Abu Aboud (974) Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Nov. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Hector Herrera (L) of Mexico is substituted by Carlos Rodriguez (2nd L) during the Group C match between Mexico and Poland of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Ras Abu Aboud (974) Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Nov. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Raul Jimenez (L) of Mexico vies with Kamil Glik of Poland the Group C match between Mexico and Poland of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Ras Abu Aboud (974) Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Nov. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng)
Guillermo Ochoa (L, front), goalkeeper of Mexico, vies with Wojciech Szczesny (R, front), goalkeeper of Poland, after the Group C match between Mexico and Poland of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Ras Abu Aboud (974) Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Nov. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Edson Alvarez (L, front) of Mexico shoots during the Group C match between Mexico and Poland of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Ras Abu Aboud (974) Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Nov. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng)
Guillermo Ochoa (R, front), goalkeeper of Mexico, vies with Wojciech Szczesny (L, front), goalkeeper of Poland, after the Group C match between Mexico and Poland of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Ras Abu Aboud (974) Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Nov. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
Jorge Sanchez of Mexico helps Bartosz Bereszynski (L) of Poland during the Group C match between Mexico and Poland of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Ras Abu Aboud (974) Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Nov. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Grzegorz Krychowiak (C) of Poland shoots during the Group C match between Mexico and Poland of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Ras Abu Aboud (974) Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Nov. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng)
Krystian Bielik (L, front) of Poland vies with Carlos Rodriguez of Mexico during the Group C match between Mexico and Poland of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Ras Abu Aboud (974) Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Nov. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
