Saudi Arabia vs Mexico: Mexico missed out on the chance to qualify for the Round of 16 despite beating Saudi Arabia by two goals to one in the World Cup.
While Poland qualified for the next round of the World Cup on a superior goal difference after losing to Group C leaders Argentina.
In the Saudi Arabia Vs Mexico game, the Mexican side started to gain control of the game very early in the game. Mohamed Kanno smashed over from a tight angle and Saudi skipper Salem Al-Dawsari blasted a free kick inches over the bar inside the first 12 minutes.
The Mexico playmaker’s diving header was wonderfully blocked by Sultan Al Ghanam moments later after Abdulelah Al Amri, Hassan Altambakti, and Oberlin Pineda worked together to prevent Pineda’s initial attempt.
Mexico’s Henry Martin’s opener in the 47th minute with a beautiful kick and Luis Chavez’s spectacular free-kick in the 52nd minute gave the Mexicans hope of qualifying.
After Argentina defeated Poland by two goals to nil, the Mexicans were given another opportunity to score a goal in extra time but failed to get the ball past the opponent’s goalkeeper.
Salem Al-Dawsari scored in stoppage time to force Mexico to require two more goals and all but end their prospects of passing Poland in the standings.
Saudi Arabia’s dreams of obtaining the victory needed to cement their progress into the round of 16 fell short.
The Mexico team lacked quality in the front even though they had chances to score. The Mexico fans felt sad and does not find it encouraging with the way Mexico players played.
The result means Argentina, who finished as the Group C winners, will face Australia on December 3, 2022. Australia qualified for the Round of 16 after defeating Denmark.
Group C runner-up Poland will face one of the World Cup favorites, France, on December 4, 2022. France is likely to go to the quarterfinals.
Key Stats In Saudi Arabia vs Mexico
Saudi Arabia has lost in the group stages of the World Cup five times in their previous six appearances (1998, 2002, 2006, 2018 and 2022). 1994 was an anomaly, when they advanced to the Round of 16.
Saudi Arabia create a new World Cup record by becoming the first team to receive 14 yellow cards in the Group Stage of the Tournament.
Mexico has advanced from the group stages in each of its previous eight appearances at the World Cup, making this the first time since 1978 that they have been eliminated in the group stages.
What Next For Mexico and Saudi Arabia
After exiting the First Round of the World Cup, the Mexico team will then prepare to face Suriname on March 23, 2023, for the CONCACAF Nations League.
Mexico is likely to win due to the number of talented players in the team.
Saudi Arabia will play against Yemen on January 6, 2023, in the Gulf Cup.
