As the second round of the group stages begins, things start to heat up in Group C.
Saudi Arabia are fresh from their shock win against Argentina on Tuesday (1-2), delivering the first big surprise of the World Cup with a win against a country many expected to fight for the trophy.
Poland arguably played one of the more uninspiring matches of the tournament so far, against Mexico, drawing 0-0. Even though both teams struggled to trouble the other, Poland had the perfect opportunity to put themselves ahead. Their Talisman Robert Lewandowksi was pulled down in the box by Hector Moreno, but his penalty was saved by Memo Ochoa.
For Saudi Arabia, a win means a big step toward qualification for the knock-out phase but Poland will also sense an opportunity, now Argentina have proven to be beatable – the perfect recipe for a feisty game.
The last five results:
Saudi Arabia: W-L-W-D-D
Poland: D-W-W-L-L
Team News: Poland have not suffered any injuries and have their whole squad available. Obviously, Robert Lewandowksi will start again, but it is worth wondering if Arek Milik will be alongside him this time. Saudi Arabia will be without Yasser Al Shahrani, who was stretchered off after a collision with his goalkeeper against Argentina, needing surgery on his jaw. Captain Salman Al-Faray went off injured too and his current condition is unknown.
Poland (4-4-1-1): Szczesny; Bereszynski, Kiwior, Glik, Cash; Kaminski, Krychowiak, Zielinski, Zalewski; Milik; Lewandowski.
Saudi Arabia (4-3-3): Owais; Abdulhamid, Altambakti, Al-Boleahi, Al Burayk; Al-Faray, Malki, Kanno; Al Buraikan, Al-Shehri, Al-Dawsari
Jurre Van Wanrooji | GWFN
