A huge weight has been lifted off of Robert Lewandowski.
The prolific Polish striker, who has over 630 career goals for club and country, finally scored his first career FIFA World Cup goal in his fifth World Cup match. The goal itself wasn’t a beauty but it was a reward for not giving up as Lewandowski took advantage of a Saudi Arabia mistake on the backline and calmly slotted the ball home to seal Poland’s first win of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
🔥 ¡LEWANDOWSKI! ¡LEWANDOWSKI! ¡LEWANDOWSKI! 🔥
🫡 ¡El goleador polaco apareció! Marca su primer gol en @FIFAWorldCup y aumenta la ventaja para Polonia 🇵🇱#POL 2-0 #KSA#ElMundialLoEsTodo #POLvsKSA pic.twitter.com/3CudJJBRvY
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) November 26, 2022
Lewandowski had an opportunity to score in Wednesday’s game against Mexico but his attempt was saved by Mexican goalkeeper Memo Ochoa. When he finally got his World Cup goal, Lewandowski broke down in tears during the celebration.
That goal was important for Lewandowski in more ways than one. With his 77th international goal, Lewandowski ties the legendary Pelé for tenth all-time. The 34-year-old is at that age where he could possibly retire from international competition after the World Cup or he could keep going.
With the win, Poland is top of the group and will stay there if Mexico doesn’t defeat Argentina by more than two goals on Saturday. In addition, Poland kept Saudi Arabia from becoming the first team to clinch a knockout stage spot.
Many were happy for Lewandowski for finally getting his World Cup goal.
First World Cup goal EVER for Robert Lewandowski 🤜🏻🤛🏻🇵🇱 #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/tZmZEkhORn
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 26, 2022
You can’t keep the greats quiet for too long. @lewy_official gets his goal and is very emotional in his celebration.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 26, 2022
It took him 15 shots and four years, but Robert Lewandowski has finally scored in a World Cup ⚽️#Qatar2022
— Mark Carey (@MarkCarey93) November 26, 2022
Good things come to those who wait 🥲
At 34 years old and on his 136th Poland appearance, Lewandowski 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 gets his first World Cup goal! pic.twitter.com/B6BQd0sqDZ
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 26, 2022
GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLL! 🇵🇱 ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI GETS HIS FIRST CAREER WORLD CUP GOAL!!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 💙❤️#FIFAWorldCup
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 26, 2022
Robert Lewandowski’s competitive International Goals:
World Cup Qualifiers – 30 ⚽
Euros Qualifiers – 19 ⚽
Euros – 5 ⚽
Nations League – 3 ⚽
🆕World Cup – 1 ⚽First time firing home at a World Cup. 💥 pic.twitter.com/2ywx4lzMKR
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 26, 2022
