Robert Lewandowski has been backed to break his World Cup duck and deliver a “beautiful performance” in Qatar.
Poland star Lewandowski is one of the deadliest strikers in the world with a glittering club career at the highest level, but has yet to score at a World Cup.
The Barcelona striker, who has 634 career goals, drew a blank four years ago in Russia as Poland flopped, finishing bottom of their group with a solitary win.
But Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, formerly of Arsenal but now at Juventus, is convinced Lewandowski will shine in Qatar and stand alongside their country’s World Cup legends like Zbigniew Boniek.
“I think it's definitely important for him and I see he's very motivated before the World Cup,” said Szczesny. “No-one doubts that Robert is one of the best players in the world nowadays.
“He would definitely like to see his ambitions come true, not only at club level but also for the national team. That’s not only him, we all share that same ambition with our clubs and for the national team. Robert is very important for us and we will try to help him shine as much as he can.
“This is definitely a very important tournament for him and I think we'll be talking about not only the names we have mentioned, but adding Robert’s name to that list with his beautiful performance in Qatar.”
Mexico keeper Guillermo Ochoa knows the threat posed by Lewandowski today and said: “We know what Lewandowski is, there’s no debate about it.
“We know his talent, what he has achieved and where he has played. So we need to focus on not giving him any chances, as he has the skills to turn a game around.”
Szczesny claimed Poland have learned from their woeful showing in Russia and are better prepared to make the knockout stage as a result.
“I think experience plays a very important role in football, because it helps you mentally prepare for the games,” said Szczesny. “So even negative experiences, like the one we had four years ago, helps you prepare for the next World Cup.
“Each tournament has its own history, so I'm not thinking about previous tournaments in any way. This is definitely my last World Cup, probably the same for other players as well, so it would be great to have some success to remember it for.”
Poland coach Czeslaw Michniewicz echoed Szczesny and said his side can progress from a group that also includes favourites Argentina and Saudi Arabia.
“Argentina, Mexico and Saudi Arabia are very strong teams,” said the Poland coach.”But 16 teams will go home and we don't want to be one of those teams.”
Raul Jimenez backed to end goal struggles
Raul Jimenez has been backed to prove his enduring value with Mexico at the World Cup - despite struggling for goals.
The Wolves striker has managed just six Premier League goals since suffering a fractured skull sustained against Arsenal in November 2020.
In Mexico there has been a lot of criticism of Jimenez’s inclusion in their squad, but goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa insisted the 31-year old deserves his place. “Raul is very excited and motivated,” said Ochoa. “He wants to be on the pitch and contribute to the team. That’s really clear.
“After what happened, for him to return is a real example for all of us. I see he is in the best physical condition in training. The criticism of him has been sad and unfair. He is ready to give an excellent performance when he enters the pitch.”
