Mexico vs Poland Robert Penalty Attempt Stop By Ochoa 2022

Mexico Vs Poland neither team could capitalize on Argentina’s stunning loss to Saudi Arabia earlier in the day.

Mexico and Poland played to a scoreless draw on Tuesday. Mexico dominated possession and tried to attack out wide, featuring their wingers running at Poland’s back line. Poland was content to absorb the pressure and counter quickly. Winger Hirving Lozano provided strong service on the flanks but was unable to create a goal-scoring opportunity.

The moment of the match came in the 58th minute when Poland’s Robert Lewandowski was pulled down in the box, giving him a chance to score from the penalty spot. But Mexico’s goalkeeper, Guillermo Ochoa, made a diving save to keep Poland from scoring. This was a big let-down for Lewandowski, who is still looking for his first goal in a World Cup.

The two teams were unable to capitalize on an opportunity to stake their place in Group C despite the door being blown open earlier in the day. That’s when Saudia Arabia upset Argentina, moving the Saudi’s on top of the group after the group all completed their first matches.

Mexico vs Poland- Lozano and Vega Bright Spots for Mexico

The lack of a true striker on Mexico’s roster was more evident than ever during the match as Mexico was able to retain possession and spend time in dangerous spaces on the pitch. However, the final touch or pass was lacking for the team throughout the entirety of the match. Alexia Vega had multiple chances to get the breakthrough goal for Mexico, including this attempt in the 26th minute.

What. A. Battle.

Mexico vs Poland finishes in a scoreless draw 🇲🇽🇵🇱 pic.twitter.com/GynWj8Ptnj
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 22, 2022

Guillermo Ochoa, Mexico vs Poland (22/11/2022)
FIFA World Cup 2022

Minutes played: 90
Saves: 2
Penalty saves: 1
Goals conceded: 0
Passes: 29/30 (97%)
Touches: 35
Diving saves: 1
Saves inside box: 2 pic.twitter.com/xjPOQqpvZk
— Live Man of the Match (@Live_MOTM) November 22, 2022

Vega, who made his World Cup debut with El Tri, was a good option to play opposite Lozano throughout the match. However, the team lacked a center target as the game went on. Lozano played well out wide, but he never had any support. The older midfield struggled at times to keep up with the duo after the first 45 minutes.

Mexico Vs Poland- Memo Vs. Lewy

The most crucial moment of the game was the standoff between Ochoa and Lewandowski. Initially, Hector Moreno’s foul on Lewandowski inside the box was not called, but the center official was notified of the event by VAR. After reviewing the footage from the cameras, it was confirmed that a penalty should have been called, and Moreno was given a yellow card.

Lewandowski, the all-time leading goal scorer for Poland, has never scored a goal in the World Cup. The opportunity to check off that box in his illustrious career seemed imminent. Lewandowski’s penalty history is evenly divided in attempts to either side making him extremely difficult to anticipate against. The problem for Lewandowski is that he was posting up against another legend in Ochoa on the other side of the penalty spot.

This is Guillermo Ochoa. He saved a penalty from Robert Lewandowski as Mexico draw Poland in their 1st 2022 World Cup match.

In the last 16 years, the Mexican goalie has been in 5 FIFA World Cups, and still as strong as ever.

He is alleged to have 6 fingers in one of his hands. pic.twitter.com/cwgfbsuaVZ
— Frank Ulom (@frankulom) November 22, 2022

Ochoa’s save was one of the most important moments of the game and it nearly felt like a turning point for Mexico. However, they were unable to take the momentum from the moment and turn it into any meaningful offense in the final third. The penalty stop was ultimately a game-saving moment for Mexico’s place in the group. If they continue to fail with the ball at their feet, it likely means that Ochoa will have to save the team with his hands in future games.

A Draw Not Enough For Mexico Vs Poland

Group C seemed to be in for a day of surprises after Saudia Arabia’s upset of Argentina on day three. However, Mexico and Poland’s lack of urgency to take control of the now open group left much to be desired. El Tri had a strong opening half hour, maintaining control in wide areas, while Poland were biding their time to pursue any counterattacks.

0 - Robert Lewandowski has failed to score in any of his four games for Poland 🇵🇱 at the World Cup, failing with all 11 shots he has attempted in the tournament (4 on target). Strange. pic.twitter.com/98OQ1mJTPz
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 22, 2022

After Saudia Arabia’s big win, both managers failed to shift game plans or make adjustments, which could come back to haunt the teams in future matches.

Group C will reconvene on Saturday, November 26 where Argentina will face Mexico and Poland will go against Saudi Arabia. Mexico has the opportunity to take Argentina out of the running while Saudi Arabia could solidify their place in Group C with a victory or draw against Poland if Argentina doesn’t manage to win against Mexico.