After a shocking result in Group C’s first game at the 2022 World Cup, valiant Mexico put in a daring performance against Poland with a 0-0 draw in a back-and-forth opener at the Stadium 974, which is the first temporary venue in World Cup history, having been constructed from 974 recycled shipping containers.
Both sides came into the match with loads of pressure hanging on their necks after this afternoon's shock gifted out to Argentina by Saudi Arabia.
Mexico proved that they weren't out to show any mercy as they were bent on making life unbearable for the Polish - seeking an eighth straight spot in the round of 16 (it has fallen in each of the last seven World Cups at that stage).
Despite injury concerns in the Mexico setup - entering Tuesday’s game, they capped off with plenty of pace, high controlling tempo while Poland looked to strike on the counterattack. In the early minutes, Hirving Lozano roamed the wing and sent in a dangerous pass that found Guadalajara striker Alexis Vega at the back post, but Vega was unable to put a proper tap on it.
Tata Martino's men came breaking into strides again in the 14th minute as Héctor Moreno had a rare chance to plunk El Tri forward after dashing for an open header but he sent the chance over the bar and was later called for offside.
In the 26th minute, Vega came close to giving El Tri the lead when Héctor Herrera sent a dangerous looping cross into the area for Vega to head, but the header just fell wide of the far post.
The Eagles talisman Robert Lewandowski was hunting for his first World Cup goal but fed mostly on leftovers during the first half as his side went into recess for the tenth without scoring.
Lewandowski had endured a quiet feast of hard tackles until the 54th minute, when he opened some blazing fire in the Mexico box and went down under pressure by Moreno, as both tussled for possession in face of on-rushing goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. Referee Chris Beath went to the pitchside to monitor and reviewed the play for a possible penalty, which he later called for a penalty, giving Lewandowski the chance to score from the spot. Ochoa was up to the task, however, diving to his left and denying Lewandowski with a strong save.
Ultimately, the best chance came in the dying embers through Henry Martin's flicked-on header after Edson Álvarez’s assist but the Polish goalkeeper Szczęsny come up big to effect a mossbacked save, which he executed to perfection.
By: Pascal Nii Gogo Amoah
