Mexico out of World Cup despite win over Saudi Arabia

Mexico secured a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, but crashed out of the 2022 World Cup on goal difference.

Action: After two games without scoring and not showing much in those performances, the Mexicans imposed a high tempo since the start.

They created a couple of chances through the first period, but Saudi Arabia's goalkeeper Moha Al Owais was denying every attempt.

Gerardo Martino's men kept the same intensity in the second half and found the breakthrough through Henry Martin right after the restart from a corner as he tapped home from a couple of yards after a clever near post flick from Cesar Montes.

Just five minutes later, El Tri doubled their lead with possibly one of the best goals of the tournament, as Luis Chavez with a tremendous free-kick from 35 yards out put his nation with high hopes of qualifying.

During the second period, Argentina went 2-0 up on Poland and Mexico needed just one more goal to progress. Mexico collected chance after chance but failed to capitalise.

And as Mexico continued to desperately in search of a third through seven minutes of stoppage time, but Saudi Arabia with acres of space to counter punished the Mexicans as Al-Dawsari finished neatly beyond Guillermo Ochoa.

Big Picture: With this result, Mexico finished level with Poland on points in Group C but goal difference decided it after Saudi Arabia struck late in injury-time.

Saudia Arabia finish bottom of the group, but will definitely be a tournament to remember after their epic win over Argentina. 

It also means that Group C winners Argentina will face Australia on Saturday and runners-up Poland will take on France in the last 16 on Sunday.

Moment of the match: Luis Chavez's goal. What a free-kick! There is a long way until the end, but this goal is a real contender for the goal of the tournament award.

xG: Saudi Arabia (1.04) 1-2 (3.06) Mexico

Stat of the Day: Mexico have been eliminated in the group stages of the World Cup for the first time since 1978 - they had progressed from the group stages in each of their previous eight participations.

💪 THE MIGHTY DELTA 🌎🏆 EDITION!

Packed with expertise from around the globe, @playmaker_EN and @thegraphicbomb are delighted to share the FREE digital version of our World Cup fanzine!

🙏 Thanks to all of those involved; may the best team prevail!

🗞 https://t.co/pLWoz7VKu5 pic.twitter.com/g7JBxSe561

— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) November 16, 2022