Mexico vs Poland 0-0: World Cup 2022 – as it happened

The opening matches of Group C couldn’t have contrasted any more.

As it stands, Saudi Arabia take possession of top spot in the group with three points, while the stalemate between Mexico and Poland ensures they each scrape a point as Argentina languishes at the bottom.

One of the narratives coming into the World Cup was Lionel Messi’s final opportunity to rectify the glaring omission in his already glittering trophy cabinet.

Well, his side – Argentina – will have to pull off some convincing results against Mexico (November 26th) and Poland (November 30th) if they are to give him a fitting farewell.

Poland faces Saudi Arabia next on November 26 before finishing their round of group matches against Argentina.

And fittingly, Guillermo Ochoa is awarded the man of the match for that vital save on Robert Lewandowski.

Thank you so much for joining us today, and do make sure to check out our live blog coverage of France and Australia as they prepare to do battle at Al Janoub Stadium.

WORLD CUP OCHOA IS BACK pic.twitter.com/Op5FMQQ2mQ

— Edoardo (@edohere__) November 22, 2022

Lewandowski, despite his accomplished scoring prowess at club level, has failed to make any dents on the World Cup stage.

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

😮💨@yosoy8a, first Mexican GK to save a PK in the #FIFAWorldCup since Uruguay 1930. 🇲🇽🧤#MéxicoDeMiVida pic.twitter.com/Eacz8OdoJW

— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) November 22, 2022

The referee blows the whistle and both sides share a point apiece.

This was always expected to be an even contest, and the result shows. Mexico, despite dominating possession to the tune of 61 percent, and completing 487 passes to Poland’s 322, just didn’t work Wojciech Szczesny enough to show for their effort.

Poland continued to rely on defensive lapses with their threatening counter-attacking play, but were thwarted time and time again by Mexico’s resolute defence.

The turning point of the match will undoubtedly be Lewandowski’s failure to convert from the spot as it would have secured a vital three points for Poland in a group that has already been blown wide open thanks to the earlier Argentinian setback against Saudi Arabia.

Ochoa called upon to make what is ultimately a straightforward stop.

Lewandowski sends in a promising outside-of-the-foot through pass to Arkadiusz Milik, but he fails to get enough on it.

The fourth official has signalled for an additional seven minutes of stoppage time.

Plenty of time for a last twist in the tail here.

Poland’s Cash does well to keep the ball away from an advancing Lozano as he is brought down in the box.

Another substitution is made for Poland as Piotr Zielinski makes way for Arkadiusz Milik.

Mexico win a corner on the left side and Chavez sends it in, but the ball is quickly dealt with by the Polish defence.

Soon after a substitution is called as Vega, who has featured quite heavily for Mexico today, comes off for Uriel Antuna.

Mexico’s Alexis Vega attempts a long-distance strike from well outside the left side of the box, but the ball sails high and handsome to the left of the net.

Time is ticking away as we near the end. A goal from either side now could go a long way.

Aside from Lewandoski’s chance from the penalty spot, Poland have continued to struggle to create any clear-cut chances.

With the game now in its final 15 minutes, barring extra time, Mexico will be hoping to continue to blunt the European side and break the deadlock themselves.

Newly introduced striker Raul Jimenez is lurking for “El Tri” (The Tricolor).

Mexico’s Lozano once again finds himself on the wrong end of things as the recently added Frankowski is shown a yellow for the foul.

Mexico decide to make their first two substitutions as Hector Herrera is replaced by Carlos Rodriguez, while Henry Martin comes off for Raul Jimenez.

Huge roar for the latter there as he is considered the main striker for the national team, but has been struggling with injuries of late.

Poland also use the opportunity to make one changes of their own as Przemysław Frankowski comes on for the outgoing Sebastian Szymański.

Mexico’s Vega wins a free-kick from the left side of the pitch a few minutes prior and delivers a deep ball to Chavez, who fails to get anything on it as the ball deflects for a right-side corner.

Mexico’s 37-year-old goalkeeper has now made 17 penalty saves in his career, including four for his national team.

Experience – can’t beat it.

Guillermo Ochoa has now saved 17 penalties in his career. This is his 4th penalty saved for Mexico.

Iconic World Cup Keeper. 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/T0GmXlJOkY

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 22, 2022

Poland’s Wojciech Szczesny makes a wonderful quick save from a glancing header by Alexis Vega.

The Mexico striker received the long ball from outside the box on the left side and tried to change its direction, but did quite create enough of an angle to trouble the Juventus goalkeeper.

Mexico’s Hirving Lozano brings down Bartosz Bereszynski inside of Poland’s half and is reprimanded by the referee, but no card is shown.

Ochoa comes to the rescue with a dive to his right as Lewandowski fails to bluff the keeper.

Stadium 974 has gone off! A rising crescendo of chants ring from the Mexican contingent as their fans find their voice once more.

Very disappointing for Poland to miss a penalty at this juncture of the match.

The referee has conducted his inquiry and has awarded a penalty to Poland for the previous infraction.

Moreno is subsequently shown a yellow card as Lewandowski steadies himself for the spot-kick.

First positive advance of the half for Poland, and Lewandowski finds the ball nestled at his feet but is quickly taken down by the defence.

There are calls for a potential penalty as Hector Moreno does hold onto the shirt of the striker as he is brought down.

After a free kick is called at the other end, the Poland players make their case to the referee and a check of the video assistant referee (VAR) is conducted for a possible penalty.

Poland win a free-kick about 40 metres (131 feet) out but Piotr Zielinski fails to make anything of it as he overshoots the cross to send the ball past the right side of the net.