Given Robert Lewandowski's astonishing goal record for club and country, you could have been forgiven for thinking he already had a hatful of World Cup goals ahead of his nation's group stage victory over Saudi Arabia at the World Cup 2022.
The Polish striker had scored 76 goals in 135 international appearances for Poland ahead of the Group C clash, making him the nation's all-time leading scorer. Yet not one of those strikes had come in a World Cup match.
The Barcelona striker had previously featured in four World Cup fixtures; three at Russia 2018 and one in the current World Cup. The latter match was a drab 0-0 draw against Mexico earlier in the tournament. At 34 years of age, it is unlikely Lewandowski will play in another World Cup, meaning this year's competition feels like now or never for the former Borussia Dortmund and Bayern man.
Poland fans were therefore thrilled to see their talisman notch in the 82nd minute against Saudi Arabia. Lewandowski found himself alone in front of goal, before calmly slotting his shot past the onrushing goalkeeper. It was his first goal at a FIFA World Cup and one he will no doubt cherish alongside the very best for Poland and his various clubs.
The goal also made it 2-0 to Poland, essentially settling the game (which ultimately ended by the same scoreline), and giving his nation a huge chance of qualifying for the next round.
Now that the pesky milestone has finally been reached, Poland fans will be hoping the damn will break. Lewandowski and his team-mates still have a huge match against Argentina to come; one which may decide their fate in terms fo reaching the knockout rounds at the World Cup 2022.
If Poland are to go deep into this competition, they'll need their star man on top form.
