Mexico 0 Poland 0 – World Cup 2022 LIVE RESULT: Lewandowski FLUFFS PENALTY as striker’s World Cup goal drought continues

That’s all from Stadium 974

It’s goodnight from us in Ras Abu Abou, and goodnight from all four countries in Group C.

But it’s not the end of the action with the day’s fourth game just half hour away.

France begin the defence of their world title by facing Australia at the Al Janoub Stadiun, and you can follow it live with us here.

Best of a bad bunch

A poor 90 minutes at Stadium 974 was occasionally lit up by the trickery of Mexico’s Hirving Lozano.

The Napoli forward cropped up menacingly on both flanks a number of times, but failed to help his country find the breakthrough they deserved.

Lewandowski lacks impact in opener

Robert Lewandowski has never scored a World Cup goal, and only had nine touches inside the penalty box at the 2018 finals.

Qatar 2022 hasn’t started any better for the Barcelona superstar either. The Polish captain only had two touches in the Mexico area this evening, one of which was his missed spotkick that was saved by Guillermo Ochoa.

Next up in Group C

If the results of today’s opening matches in Group C were a surprise, then then second round of games this coming weekend are absolutely crucial.

All four sides are back in action on Saturday, and Saudi Arabia could seal their place in the knockout stages with a win.

• Poland v Saudi Arabia (1pm)
• Argentina v Mexico (7pm)

Saudis soar to top spot

This is how they stand in Group C after each side played their opening game of Qatar 2022 on Tuesday – and, remarkably, it is Saudi Arabia out clear in front.

Extra! Read all about it!

Our man in Qatar, Dan King, has shown more enthusiasm and intent than anyone on the pitch this evening, and has already filed his match report of Mexico’s goalless draw with Poland at Stadium 974.

Robert Lewandowski’s wait for a World Cup goal continues as he blew the chance to put his country in Pole position in Group C. The Barcelona star could not deliver the goal he and the game had been crying out for because veteran Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa made a fantastic save.

Dan KingThe Sun

Match stats from Stadium 974

Here are some numbers that may indicate that this evening’s Group C clash was worth watching…

…but ultimately the 0-0 at the top are the most accurate reflection of a contest low on quality and excitement.

Full time – Mexico 0-0 Poland

The final whistle is blown at Stadium 974.

A good result for both sides? Yes, it takes them above Argentina and keeps each in contention for qualification.

A good result for Argentina? Yes, it ensures that a second country fails to pull three points away from them in Group C.

A good result for Saudi Arabia? Yes, and they’ll fancy their chances of nine points after watching these two slog it out.

A good result for me in having to cover it? Absolutely not.

Mexico 0-0 Poland

90+6. In the space of 30 seconds, both Krychowiak and Lozano try their luck with long range efforts.

Who are they kidding if they thought they could win a game as poor as this with something so special?

The only acceptable winner for this match would be a scrambled deflection off a defender’s backside – and it looks as though we’re not even going to get that.

Mexico 0-0 Poland

90+4. A clever flicked header from Jimenez falls perfectly into the path of Antuna and offers him a chance to run down the right.

However, the substitute’s touch is too heavy, and that man Glik gets across to boot to safety.

Mexico 0-0 Poland

90+2. A grandstand finish at Stadium 974? Don’t count on it.

Mexico 0-0 Poland

90. As the board goes up to signal seven minutes of stoppage tiem, Mexico win their latest corner.

A battler to the end, it’s no surprise that it’s Glik up highest inside the six-yard-box to power the set-piece to safety.

Mexico 0-0 Poland

88. Glik ends the game as he started it – by receiving treatment for a head injury.

This time the centre-back is floored by a thumping Lozano strike straight into the face.

Some way to mark your 100th game for your country.

Mexico 0-0 Poland

86. Excellent defending from Cash halts Lozano in his path after the Mexico forward weaved his way into the area.

There are appeals for a penalty from those in the stands, but they’re more in hope than expectation.

Mexico 0-0 Poland – Mexico substitution

84. A third change for the Mexicans.

On comes forward Uriel Antuna for Alexis Vega. Can the Cruz Azul man make himself a hero?

Mexico 0-0 Poland

83. Facing goal with the ball at his feet, Jimenez has the opportunity to run at the last defender…

…but a heavy touch from the striker takes the ball gratefully into the hands of Szczesny in the Poland goal.

Mexico 0-0 Poland

81. Poland almost make Mexico pay at a corner, but Krychowiak’s effort is blocked after arriving late at the far post.

Mexico 0-0 Poland

80. Vega goes for the spectacular, but whips his 25-yard half-volley away from the far post.

Mexico 0-0 Poland

79. After the game burst into the life following the missed penalty, I’m afraid to say that it’s folded on itself once again.

It’s there for the taking as we approach the final ten minutes, but I’m not sure either side has enough intent – or quality – to win it.

Mexico 0-0 Poland

77. Lozano is on the receiving end of another terrible tackle, this time from Bereszynski.

The Mexican forward has been the best player on the pitch, and is paying the price in being kicked all around it.

Mexico 0-0 Poland – Frankowski yellow card

75. Anything Rodriguez can do, Frankowski can do better.

The Poland substitute has only been on the pitch two minutes but he’s already in the referee’s notebook after catching Lozano on the ankle with an awful challenge.

Mexico 0-0 Poland

73. Rodriguez is straight up to the speed of the game with a hefty late tackle.

Mexico 0-0 Poland – Poland substitution

72. Poland now make their second change of the game.

Przemysław Frankowski is on for Sebastian Szymanski which is difficult to type as it is to say.

Mexico 0-0 Poland – Mexico double substitution

71. Gerardo Martino is going for it with two changes, and they include the introduction of Raul Jimenez.

The Wolves striker is on alongside Carlos Rodriguez; off go Henry Martin and Hector Herrera.

Mexico 0-0 Poland

69. By the way, Moreno was retrospectively booked for his part in the incident that resulted in the video officials advising the award of a Poland penalty.