Doha ∙ With a win essential to reach the pre-quarters, Mexico entered the battle against Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Stadium and won by scoring two goals to one in an exciting match. But in the game held at the same time, they could not beat Poland, who lost to Argentina. As a result, Mexico, who made history by getting past the group stage in six World Cups, are out of the group stage for the first time since the 1978 World Cup. For Mexico, who joined Poland with four points , the goal average that led them out.
Henry Martin (47) and Luis Chavez (52) scored for Mexico. Salem Al Dawsari scored Saudi’s equalizer in injury time. The two goals scored by Lozano and Antuna were caught in the offside trap and it was a blow for Mexico.
With this, Argentina reached the forerunners as group champions after beating Poland by two one-sided goals in the final match of Group C. Although they lost, Poland also entered the preliminaries as runners-up. In the pre-quarters to be held on December 3, Australia, who are second in Group C, will face Argentina. Poland will also face defending champions France in the pre-quarters the next day.
After a scoreless first half, Henry Martin and Luis Chavez found the net for Mexico just five minutes apart. Henry Martin scored the first goal in the 47th minute from a corner kick which was awarded in favor of Mexico. Then in the 52nd minute, Luis Chavez increased the lead with a free kick conceded by Mexico. In the first half, Mexico wasted many golden opportunities.
The first goal was a continuation of Mexico’s pressure on the Saudi box at the start of the second half. Luis Chavez takes the corner kick in favor of Mexico. Chavez picked up the ball from the corner and hit the leg of Cesar Montes to the unmarked leg of Martin. Martin shot from the edge of the post into the net. Score 1 – 0.
Before the excitement of the first goal wore off, Mexico scored the second goal. This time Luis Chavez started the move that led to the first goal. The goal came from a free kick awarded to Mexico after a Saudi player brought down Martin outside the Saudi box. Chavez, who took the kick, scooped the ball over the Saudi defense and into the net. Mohammad Al Owais, who played brilliantly in the first half, became a spectator once again. Score 2–0.
At the same time, as Poland was two goals behind against Argentina, Mexico continued to roar, hoping that one more goal would overtake Poland on goal average. But only the goal stayed away. Mexican players came close to scoring several times, but Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais made great saves.
Although there was an impression that Mexico would score at any moment, Saudi unexpectedly countered in injury time. The scorer of the goal was Salem Al Dausari who scored a goal against Argentina in the first game. Hattan Babri to Pant Dausari as Mexico continue to attack. Dausari’s shot shot past the Mexican defense past the faithful hands of goalkeeper Ochao and into the net. Score 1–2.
∙ Goalless first half
The first half of the match was goalless as Saudi Arabia successfully resisted Mexico’s continuous attacks for the goal. In the first half, Mexico, who needed a win to advance to the pre-quarters, played aggressively, and they were the best in terms of handling and passing the ball. Shortcomings in finishing and when the finishing improved, Saudi goalkeeper Mohammad Al Owais’ brilliant performance in front of the post was a blow for Mexico. Players like Alexis Vega, Henry Martin and Orbelin Pineda all had good chances in the Mexico lineup but missed the target.
The first half was goalless as Saudi Arabia, who rattled Mexico’s goal by counter-attacking whenever they had a chance, missed the target. In the last minute of injury time of the first half Al Hasan headed in a great cross from Al Breekan, but unfortunately the ball went out.
English Summary: Saudi Arabia vs Mexico World Cup 2022 match, live score
