Mexico’s effort went in vain as despite beating Saudi Arabia 2-1 missed out knockout spot on goal difference in Group C of 2022 FIFA World Cup at Lusail Stadium.
Goals from Henry Martin in 47’ and Luis Chavez in 53’ brought Mexico back into contention, but a string of superb saves by Saudi ‘keeper Mohamed Al-Owais and two disallowed efforts denied the South Americans the elusive goal they needed to advance.
The match went right down to the wire and at one point looked like Mexico would miss out to Group C rival Poland by virtue of having accrued more yellow cards, but Saudi striker Salem Al-Dawsari netted in stoppage time to make goal difference the decider.
Mexico’s exit ended a run of seven successive last-16 appearances at the World Cup.
Saudi Arabia Starting XI: Mohamed Al-Owais, Sultan Al-Ghanam, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Ali Al-Bulaihi, Hassan Tambakti, Mohamed Kanno, Saud Abdulhamid, Ali Al-Hassan, Saleh Al-Shehri, Salem Al-Dawsari, Firas Al-Buraikan
Mexico Starting XI: Guillermo Ochoa, Cesar Montes, Edson Alvarez, Alexis Vega, Hector Moreno, Orbelin Pineda, Jorge Sanchez, Henry Martin, Hirving Lozano, Jesus Gallardo, Luis Chavez
Picture Courtesy: FIFA Media
