DOHA: Robert Lewandowski had a penalty saved as Poland and Mexico played out a goalless World Cup draw at a fervent Stadium 974.

Lewandowski has never scored in the tournament and his wait continues after a tame effort in the 50th minute was kept out by Mexico’s veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, diving left.

Before the match Ochoa had said: “We know what Lewandowski is, we know his talent and the places where he has played. He’s a player who has the ability to change your game. It will be a major challenge for me and my teammates.”

That was a challenge to which they rose with aplomb though they played most of the game on the counter-attack.

The 40,000-capacity venue was filled largely by raucous Mexico supporters and deafening cheers rung round when Lewandowski’s shot stayed out.

A forgettable first half saw Alexis Vega head narrowly wide and the only effort on target came when Jorge Sanchez’s shot from the angle was pushed away by Wojciech Szczesny.

Hirving Lozano’s curling effort from range was straight at the Poland goalkeeper, before the game finally sparked into life in the second half.

But both sides had to settle for a draw after Ochoa, 37, dived the right way to keep out Barcelona striker Lewandowski’s penalty, awarded after the referee watched a replay on the pitchside monitor.

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