With Group C favorites Argentina losing vs Saudi Arabia earlier in the day, both Mexico and Poland desperately needed a win in their 2022 World Cup opener at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar on Tuesday, but a goal never came for either side.
Robert Lewandowski had the game’s best scoring chance from 12 yards away, but the Poland captain was denied by 37-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa in the 58th minute. Lewandowski’s penalty attempt was subpar at best, at an easy high to save and not hit with much power.
The draw means that in order to advance from the group, either (or both) of Mexico and Poland will need to beat Saudi Arabia, who currently sit top of the group, and take at least one point vs Argentina.
At various points during qualifying, Tata found himself under plenty of pressure as many fans doubted he would still be in charge if/when Mexico took the field in Qatar. Here’s the positive spin on Mexico’s recent World Cup appearances: seven straight tournaments, seven straight times they advanced from the group stage.
Source: OEM
