FIFA World Cup, Mexico hold Poland to 0-0 draw: Stats
Mexico held Poland to a 0-0 draw in a Group C encounter at the FIFA World Cup 2022. Both sides had little to offer in the first half barring a late effort from Jorge Sanchez which Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny turned over the bar. In the second half, Robert Lewandowski missed a potential game-winner from the spot to taste an agonizing draw.
Veteran goalkeeper Ochoa inks this record
Guillermo Ochoa's super save denied Poland a 58th-minute penalty. As per Opta, Ochoa has become the first Mexican goalkeeper to save a penalty in a World Cup match in recorded history (since 1966). As per William Hill, he made at least five more saves than any other goalkeeper during the 2018 World Cup group stage, including nine against Germany in Mexico's 1-0 win.
Glik races to 100 appearances for Poland
Seasoned centre-back Kamil Glik became only the fifth player to reach 100 caps for Poland after Lewandowski, Jakub Blaszczykowski, Michael Zewlakow, and Grzegorz Lato. Also, Gilk (34y 292d) has been the oldest player to play for Poland in the World Cup, overtaking Jacek Zielinski versus USA in 2022 (34y 247d).
Here's the head-to-head record
Mexico and Poland's only previous FIFA World Cup meeting was in the group phase of the 1978 edition. Poland won by a 3-1 scoreline. Overall, both sides own three wins each across nine match-ups to date (D3).
A look at the key stats
Mexico commanded a 61% possession in the game in contrast to Poland (39%). Notably, El Tri attempted a staggering 11 shots with four on target, while Poland managed six shots with two on target. Mexico completed 487 passes with 84% accuracy, while Poland made 322 passes with an accuracy of 71%. On the defensive front, Poland recorded 17 tackles, nine interceptions, and 22 clearances.
Unwanted records for Poland
Poland have failed to win their opening game at the WC in each of their last seven participations, a run which started in 1978 (D4 L3). They have scored only one goal across those seven matches. 17% of Poland's games at the WC have ended goalless (6/35). It's the highest percentage for any team to play at least 15 games at the WC.
Contrasting records for Mexico
Mexico have failed to score in each of their last three World Cup matches, the first time they have done so since another three-game run between 1966 and 1970. As per Opta, Mexico haven't conceded a first-half goal in nine successive WC matches.
How did the match pan out?
Mexico missed a few early chances, with Alexis Vega's header being wide while Sanchez's shot got pushed away by Szczesny. Hirving Lozano too had a go at the opener, but his curling effort landed straight into the hands of the Polish goalkeeper. Coming into the second half, Poland missed a penalty after Hector Moreno's foul in the box, thereby succumbing to a draw.
