World Cup

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI saw his penalty SAVED as Poland and Mexico drew 0-0.The miss means Poland’s talisman Lewandowski has still yet to score in a World Cup.
Saudi Arabia and Argentina complete Group C, with the Saudi’s sitting top after their stunning win over Argentina earlier today.

Result: Mexico 0 Poland 0
Mexico XI: Ochoa; Sanchez, Montes, Hector Moreno, Gallardo; Hector Herrera, Edson Alvarez, Chavez; Lozano, Henry Martin, Vega
Poland XI: Szczesny; Bereszynski, Glik, Kiwior, Cash; Kaminski, Krychowiak, S.Szymanski, Zielinski, Zalewski; Lewandowski.

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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.
Credit: Fifa.com
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.
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FRANCE beat Australia 4-1 in their opening World Cup match as Olivier Giroud bagged a brace. The ex-Chelsea and Arsenal striker drew level with Thierry Henry at the top of the France scoring charts with his double.
Craig Goodwin made it 1-0 to the underdogs early but goals from Giroud and one each from Adrien Rabiot and Kylian Mbappe sealed an important win for Les Bleus.

Start time: 7pm BST
TV/Live stream: BBC One
France XI: Lloris; Pavard, Upamecano, Konate, Lucas Hernandez; Rabiot, Tchouameni; Mbappe, Griezmann, Dembele; Giroud
Australia XI: Ryan; Behich, Rowels, Souttar, Atkinson; Irvine, Mooy, McGree; Goodwin, Duke, Leckie

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A round-up of today’s action…
Today in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, we had FOUR games lined up for you on SunSport, and what a day of football it was.
We kicked off with the shock result of the tournament so far, as Lionel Messi’s Argentina were beaten 2-1 by Saudi Arabia, thanks to an Al-Dawsari screamer.
We then saw Denmark take on Tunisia, as Christian Eriksen and co were held to a 0-0 draw in Group D.
Up next was Poland against Mexico which resulted in another 0-0, despite Polish star striker Robert Lewandowski missing a penalty, as he continues his unwanted streak of never scoring at a World Cup.
Fortunately, we had goals a plenty to round up the day as defending champions France beat Australia 4-1…
The game was lit up by special performances from the Parisian Prince, Kylian Mbappe, and the handsome devil that has the footballing streets in a choke-hold, Olivier Giroud.
That is all from us here on SunSport for tonight, but be sure to join us again tomorrow at 10am, for another full day of World Cup action.
Thank you for reading, and catch you tomorrow, good night.
Who’s up next?
Up next for France they face what may well be a tougher test as they are up against Denmark in just four days time.
As for Australia, they will be grateful that they don’t have to play the world champions again, and they face a slightly easier opponent in Tunisia on Saturday.
Both teams will back themselves to win the next one, as they both gave a pretty good account of themselves tonight, despite the scoreline maybe not reflecting that…
Giroud makes history.
This game was lit up by two truly magical football players, Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud.
But it is the latter of those who wrote his name into the history books tonight.
Le Buteur de Charme was in the mood tonight, and scored a tap in and a header to equal Thierry Henry’s 51 goals for the French National team.
He is perhaps one of the most underrated players of his generation, so it is so good to see him get the plaudits that he deserves.
What a player, and what a performance.
Olivier Giroud matched Thierry Henry’s record of 51 goals for France.Credit: AP
Allez Les Bleus!
It is a great start to the 2022 World Cup for injury-plagued France.
It looked as though the ‘Champions Curse” was looking to sweep up another victim tonight when Craig Goodwin opened the scoring for Australia.
But Deschamps’ ‘Champagne Blues’ found a way through, with much thanks in order to Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe.
Lucas Hernandez was another injury to add to the list, but he was replaced by his brother, who is also a world-class full back.
In the second half, they hardly looked like conceding as Giroud and Mbappe wrapped up the win, with the former equalling Thierry Henry’s record of 51 goals for the French national team.
FT. France 4-1 Australia.
The final whistle goes, and the defending champions are off to a flying start!
90+5. France 4-1 Australia.
Mbappe just looks to get the beating of his man there, but it is pulled back for a foul by the Frenchman.
This game has gone very flat now, and both teams seem content with the result as it stands.
90+3. France 4-1 Australia.
Plenty of fans can be seen leaving the stadium, but one man staying inside the Al Janoub Stadium is Martin Lipton, who had the following to say on the matter:
“Lot of punters don’t appear to like staying to the end here.
“Not sure why the rush. It’s not as if they’ve got any local boozers that are getting ready for last orders.
“Is a somewhat surreal atmosphere, though.
“This is a World Cup game, including some of the finest players on the planet, with every chance of a few more goals.
“And half of the fans have sneaked out already. Odd.”
90. France 4-1 Australia.
There are seven minutes of added time here in Qatar.
90. France 4-1 Australia.
Very nearly a fifth for France!
But for a sensational stop by Matty Ryan!
It was Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate who was denied a headed goal following a corner.
89. France 4-1 Australia.
Two more French substitutions…
Marcus Thuram and Jules Kounde are on in place of Olivier Giroud and Benjamin Pavard.
A huge smile on the face of Giroud, you just have to be happy for him, what a player.
88. France 4-1 Australia.
Fofana has almost as much space in midfield there as there is in the vast Australian outback.
He picks out Kingsley Coman on the right-hand side, but the Bayern Munich man’s delivery is poor, and collected by Matty Ryan.
86. France 4-1 Australia.
Another double change for Australia.
Milos Degenek and Keanu Baccus are on in place of Jackson Irvine and Nathaniel Atkinson.
84. France 4-1 Australia.
Martin Lipton has an update for us on the glowing French fans in Qatar…
“Finally getting a bit of “Allez les bleus” from the French fans.
“They’re a tough bunch to please. Do they win the World Cup every time or something?
“Jackson Irvine has finally been booked. Suggestion floating around media tribune was that it might have been for his 15th foul.
“Might not have been that many but feels like he’s totted up double figures.”
That is Martin Lipton from the Al Janoub Stadium in Qatar.
82. France 4-1 Australia.
Mbappe drives towards the Aussie defence but instead of shooting tries to pick out Olivier Giroud on a hat-trick.
Well cleared by Australia.
80. France 4-1 Australia.
Perhaps somewhat surprising that France are leaving Mbappe on with the game against Denmark approaching in four days time.
The game is won here, so it makes sense to rest your star man.
However, there is good reason that I am not the French manager, so I reckon Deschamps knows his star striker better than I do…
77. France 4-1 Australia.
There are two changes for each side.
Kingsley Coman and Fofana are on for Tchouameni and Dembele in dark blue.
For Australia, 18-Year-Old Garang Kuol is on, alongside Awer Mabil in replacement of Goodwin and McGree.
75. France 4-1 Australia.
Martin Lipton can hardly contain his excitement in Qatar, watching Mbappe and Giroud light up the Al Janoub Stadium, this is his reaction to Giroud’s record-levelling finish:
“Classic centre-forward downward header. The ones he scored for Arsenal and Chelsea a few times.
“Aussies now as silent as they were when England were thrashing India to win the T20 World Cup the other week. And that doesn’t happen too often.”
He couldn’t help but leave out the cricket, but we have to enjoy these moments when they come around, so good on him.
That is Martin Lipton, live in Qatar.
72. France 4-1 Australia.
It is four for France, and Olivier Giroud equals Thierry Henry’s record goal tally!
51 goals for France for Olivier, and deadly “le buteur de charme” has arrived in Qatar.
That translates to ‘The Charm Striker’ if you are not fluent.
70. France 3-1 Australia.
He starts the move on the left-hand side with a shot that evades the goal, but finds Ousmane Dembele.
The Barcelona wide man then gets the ball on his left foot, and whips the ball in towards the head of Mbappe.
It is the Parisian Prince then who turns a header onto the inside of the post, which bounces over the goal line.
Great finish from the Fine Flying Frenchman.
68. France 3-1 Australia.
It’s three for France!
And it is that man, Kylian Mbappe!
66. France 2-1 Australia.
Tchouameni is caught in midfield by Irvine and goes down clutching his ankle.
He was just stood on by the Australian, who has a better moustache than my Movember attempt, that is for sure…
64. France 2-1 Australia.
Problems are coming for The Aussies now, as France continue to build attacks on the Australian goal.
Mbappe is still yet to light up the 2022 World Cup, and we have Martin Lipton’s thoughts on his performance from Qatar:
“Banner behind Ryan’s goal hails “les irresistibles francais”. 
“You don’t need a degree in modern languages to translate (I haven’t got one, by the way).
“They certainly were irresistible in Russia, mainly because Mbappe was electric and deadly.
“He normally is. But not tonight. 
“Maybe he’s just getting his bad one out of the way early.”
That is from Martin Lipton, not impressed with Killer Kylian in Qatar so far…
60. France 2-1 Australia.
Just as we say that, France and Mbappe almost turn on the style.
A lovely give and go between Mbappe and Giroud sees the latter backheel the ball into the path of Mbappe…
He is baring down on the Aussie centre-half, who seems a few yards in front of him, and just about manages to put it out for a corner.
58. France 2-1 Australia.
A bit conservative as we approach the hour mark in Qatar, Australia are staying compact and not taking too many risks at the moment.
As for the French, they have dropped the tempo a bit themselves and the urgency has gone, which could suit Australia later in the game.
56. France 2-1 Australia.
A sensible sub for Australia, as Mitchell Duke leaves the field to be replaced by Jason Cummings.
Duke did a lot of tireless running in the game so far, which is often a thankless task.
Not to mention that he almost had goal of the tournament on his CV earlier on in the game…
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MEXICO are taking on Poland in a tasty World Cup clash in Doha RIGHT NOW!And the headline team news is Polish talisman Robert Lewandowski is starting as he looks to guide his side to the World Cup knockout stages for the first time since 1986.
The two-time Fifa Best Award winner has won everything there is to win at club level, but has yet to guide his country through a World Cup group stage.
While Mexico have reached the last 16 in all of their last seven World Cup appearances and will also face Saudi Arabia and Argentina in the group stage.

Kick-off: 4pm UK
TV channel: BBC One
Live stream: BBC iPlayer
Mexico XI: Ochoa; Sanchez, Montes, Hector Moreno, Gallardo; Hector Herrera, Edson Alvarez, Chavez; Lozano, Henry Martin, Vega
Poland XI: Szczesny; Bereszynski, Glik, Kiwior, Cash; Kaminski, Krychowiak, S.Szymanski, Zielinski, Zalewski; Lewandowski.

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Mexico 0-0 Poland
7. Now it’s Poland’s turn to get forward on their right.
Kaminski tries to turn a low cross towards Lewandowski in the middle, but sees his pass turned behind for a corner.
Mexico 0-0 Poland
6. Living up to cultural stereotypes, a Mexican Wave has started up inside Stadium 974.
Mexico 0-0 Poland
5. A half-chance for Mexico as Lozano strips away from his marker down the right, and whips a cross towards the far post.
Vega arrives late on to the delivery, and fails to get a telling connection.
Mexico 0-0 Poland
4. Poland get the ball forward for the first time, where Lewandowski challenges for the ball both in the air, and then on the deck.
As soon as the crowd clock who is in the thick of it, the booing starts.
This certainly has the feel of an away game for the Polish tonight.
Mexico 0-0 Poland
2. ‘Mexico can pass the ball very well,’ says Martin Keown, just as Montes sends a 50-yard crossfield ball on to the toes of a teammate.
It’s possibly the first time the former Arsenal man has ever been proved correct on co-commentary.
Kick-off – Mexico vs Poland
1. Australian referee Chris Beath blows his whistle, and it’s Mexico that gets the third game of day three of Qatar 2022 underway.
Incidentally, the fourth official this evening is France’s Stephanie Frappart, the first woman to officiate at a World Cup.
Here come the two teams!
What a noise! A huge roar from the – mainly Mexican – fans inside Stadium 974 greets the players as they make their way out on to the pitch.
And it’s a reaction that’s emphasised by the manner in which the national anthem of Mexico is belted out by players and supporters alike.
The Polish anthem is a much more subdued affair, but sung with just as much passion by Czeslaw Michniewicz’s side – including Aston Villa’s Matty Cash, who was born in Slough.
The formalities are over, and now it’s time for the football.
Poland’s Glik brings up century
Kamil Glik will win a 100th cap this evening when he takes his place at the heart of Poland’s back three.
The 34-year-old centre-back made his international debut in January 2010 against Thailand, scoring 43 minutes into his first appearance.
The Benevento defender has notched five further times for his country in the time since, but can he mark tonight’s major milestone with the most important yet?
Painting a picture by numbers
This evening’s encounter comes live from the Stadium 974 in Doha, but why is the arena so named? Dan King explains:
“The 974 Stadium is undeniably impressive to look at and appreciate – a 40,000-seater arena built with 974 shipping containers (also corresponding to the dialling code for Qatar) that will be fully dismantled after the tournament.
“But one of the most extraodinary sights of this World Cup so far was the queue of Mexican fans to enter more than three hours before kick off.
“It looked like a green tide slowly making its way slowly but unstoppably towards the opening game. A Mexican journalist on my bus reckoned up to 20,000 of his countrymen and women are in Qatar.
“Whatever the actual figure, the Poles are going to be spectacularly outnumbered.
“Yet their team has Robert Lewandowski, the only genuine superstar in either team and his country’s record scorer and appearance maker.
“But Lewa needs to break his World Cup if he is to assume legendary status alongside the likes of 1974 Golden Boot winner Grzegorz Lato, who was part of another third-placed finish for Poland in 1982 with team-mates like Zbigniew Boniek.
“Argentina’s shock defeat makes this game even bigger – a win for either team would be a big step towards making the last 16.”
Poland captain given the bird
Live from Stadium 974, Dan King reports on a frosty reception from the large contingent of Mexican fans for Poland and their superstar striker:
Poland booed heartily on to the pitch. Lewandowski’s name is given the full treatment when mentioned by the stadium announcers.Dan KingThe Sun

On the Polish bench tonight
12 Skorupski, 22 Grabara, 3 Jedrzejczyk, 4 Wieteska, 5 Bednarek, 6 Bielik, 7 Milik, 8 Szymanski, 11 Grosicki, 16 Swiderski, 17 Zurkowski, 23 Piatek, 24 Frankowski, 25 Gumny, 26 Skoras
Lewandowski leads the Poland line
Poland (3-5-2): 1 Szczesny; 18 Beresynski, 15 Glik, 14 Kiwior; 2 Cash, 13 Kaminski, 10 Krychowiak, 19 Szymanski, 21 Zalewski; 20 Zielinski, 9 Lewandowski

Veteran Guardado among Mexican subs
1 Talavera, 12 Cota, 2 Araujo, 5 Vasquez, 6 Arteagam 7 Romo, 8 Rodriguez, 9 Jimenez, 11 Funes Mori, 14 Gutierrez, 17 Pineda, 18 Guardado, 21 Antuna, 25 Alvarado, 26 Alvarez
Jimenez misses out for Mexico
Mexico (4-3-3): 13 Ochoa; 19 Sanchez, 3 Montes, 15 Moreno, 23 Gallardo; 16 Herrera, 4 Alvarez, 24 Chavez; 22 Lozano, 20 Martin, 10 Vega

Live from Stadium 974
Our man on (in) the ground this evening is Dan King, who has been soaking up the pre-match atmosphere:
Big roar as the Mexican goalkeepers come out to warm up, and the place isn’t even half full yet. Tell you what, when Mexico play Argentina (and effectively Qatar) on Saturday, the atmosphere will be insane.Dan KingThe Sun

Mexico favourites for three points
There’s not much in the betting, but the bookies just about make Mexico favourites for this Group C encounter. The Central Americans can still be back at odds against, and are expected to comfortably adjust to the conditions compared to their Eastern European counterparts.

Mexico win 6/4
Draw 2/1
Poland win 11/5

Odds from Betfair correct at the time of post publication.
Good day from Doha
Welcome back to World Cup 2022 and live SunSport coverage of the Group C clash between Mexico and Poland.
These two countries would have been expecting this evening’s meeting at Stadium 974 to prove pivotal in deciding which finishes in the runners-up spot behind Argentina.
But La Albiceleste’s stunning 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia earlier today has blown the group wide open.
Now there’s the very real opportunity that both sides could qualify ahead of the South American giants.
Indeed, if Poland were to win here in Doha, and then again on Saturday against the Saudis, then they could seal their place in the knockout stages before even facing Lionel Messi and co.
However, Mexico are no mugs under Gerardo Martino.
The Tricolor have made (and exited) the Last 16 at the previous seven World Cups, and will be confident of doing so again in Qatar.
Of course, the Mexicans will have to find a way to stop Robert Lewandowski, who has yet to find the net for Poland at a World Cup.
The action kicks off at 7pm local time – 4pm in the UK – and team news is on the way.

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