Robert Lewandowski finally scored at the World Cup on Saturday, helping Poland beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 and boosting his team's chances of reaching the knockout stages.
Lewandowski shed tears after scoring in the 82nd minute. He raced toward the corner with his arms outstretched, then stayed slumped on the field as teammates rushed to congratulate him. He got up, rubbed his face, and blew a kiss to the crowd.
It was the Poland forward’s first World Cup goal in his fifth appearance at the tournament.
The 34-year-old Lewandowski also set up the opener in the 40th minute when he kept the ball in play after goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais’ initial block, then laid it back for Piotr Zielinski to knock in.
Al-Owais denied Lewandowski from scoring a second goal late in the match.
Saudi Arabia were the better team for the first half and was pushed forward by enthusiastic fans in what seemed like a home game.
Saudi Arabia will rue the first half missed penalty from Salem Al-Dawsari, who scored the winner in their historic victory over Argentina on Tuesday.
Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny then blocked Mohammed Al-Burayk's shot from the rebound.
Poland will next face Argentina, while Saudi Arabia will meet Mexico in their last Group C games.
Poland needs only a point from their final match to guarantee their spot in the next round.
