A crucial Group C match between Saudi Arabia and Mexico ended in a 2-1 setback for Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. The game was played in the Lusial Iconic Stadium in Qatar. This will host the Fifa World Cup final on December 18. However, Mexico was left out of World Cup.
Salem Al Dawsari’s late consolation goal for Saudi broke Mexican hearts as the South Americans failed to advance to the tournament’s round of 16. While Poland ended second in the group behind leaders Argentina.
Even though they lost, the Green Falcons will always cherish their victory over Argentina in the fiercely fought group.
Mexico continued to rule over Saudi Arabia, which they had never defeated in five meetings. But their domination is meaningless now that they have been out of football’s biggest competition.
Mexico, who desperately needed to increase their goal differential, attacked Saudi Arabia from the get-go and never let up, pelting the goal with long-range shots in an effort to seize control of their own destiny.
Highlights
Orbelin Pineda and Chavez were the catalysts in a high-octane contest that the Saudis found difficult to enter. Mexico pressed for goals as the Saudis failed to create chances on the break.
Two minutes after halftime, Cesar Montes’s skillful backheel from a corner found Martin. Bundled the ball over the line in a packed goalmouth to give Mexico the lead.
On the hour mark, they increased their advantage when Chavez’s fierce free kick from 20 yards out flew. Past Al-Owais and into the corner of the net setting off wild celebrations on the pitch.
Mexico fought valiantly to score the game-winning third goal, but Al-Owais’ quick reactions to the Saudi goal kept them from doing so.
Before Al-Dawsari dashed Mexican hopes with a Saudi consolation goal in stoppage time. Substitute Uriel Antuna had a sensational late shot disallowed for offside four minutes from time.