Mexico beats Saudi Arabia 2-1 but falls short at World Cup 2022

SMA NEWS – DOHA
Mexico beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 but crashed out of the 2022 World Cup on goal difference after a dramatic finish.
At 2-0 ahead Mexico were level with Poland in Group C on points, goal difference, goals scored and on their head-to-head record. They were going out due to getting more yellow cards than Poland but conceded deep into injury-time which meant they missed out on goal difference.
Mexico started the match with a fantastic tempo, showing their attacking intent early on. They knew they needed to score goals and they played like it from the off. Gerardo Martino’s men found joy in particular on the flanks, putting in a succession of crosses which had the Saudi Arabia defenders scrambling.
Saudi Arabia had a big chance at the other end, Mohamed Kanno fired over with a free kick from around 25 yards out. The issue for Herve Renard however was that when his side did manage to venture forward, Mexico were so quick to counter, usually with four or five players joining the attack at once.
Saudi Arabia, much to their credit, defended resolutely ensuring that they went in at half-time at 0-0.
Mexico, much like they did in the first half, came flying out of the blocks in the second half and found the breakthrough through Henry Martin on the 47th minute. Cesar Montes brilliantly flicked on a cross for Martin to smash home. Mexico’s intentions were clear in their lack of celebration, instead they opted to grab the ball and sprint back to the halfway line in search of another.
Just five minutes after opening the scoring, Mexico found the back of the net again, Luis Chavez making it 2-0 with a sensational free-kick, a certain contender for goal of the tournament. It still wasn’t enough though, Mexico needed another.
El Tri continued to pour forward, creating chance after chance as they searched for the third goal which would have seen them move ahead of Poland on goal difference.
Deep into stoppage time, Saudi Arabia countered quickly and Hattan Bahebri slipped in Salem Al-Dawsari to score and break Mexican hearts. It was too little too late for Saudi Arabia but that goal confirmed Poland’s progression to the last 16 and Mexico’s departure.