Qatar 2022: Mexico Falls Short Of R16 Slot As Poland Go Through

El Tri did the job against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday in Lusail, but the Mexicans finished level on points alongside Poland, but ended 3rd in Group C on goal difference, as they looked for an illusive 3rd goal in vain.

Mexico believed in it until the end but, like Saudi Arabia, their competition came to an end.

In an unfavorable position at the start of this third day, Mexico was not in control of its destiny. Tata Martino’s men were set to finish third in group C, with the same number of points as Poland, but an unfavorable goal average (-1 against 0).

Saudi Arabia started the World Cup in Qatar by punching above their weights but two successive defeats left them wanting.

Hervé Renard’s players, who could still qualify, simply did not come to the party against Mexicans who equally needed a victory to reach the round of 16.

From the first to the last minute, the area of Mohammed Al-Owais was constantly under siege and it was a miracle that there was only one goal difference at the end of the game.

Tata Martino’s men had plenty of room to win with a sufficient margin to go through in group C.

Led by a tireless Hirving Lozano, the Mexicans dominated but lacked end products. As proof, it took until the second half to see the game unlocked.

From a corner, Cesar Montes flicked a good ball at the near post for Henry Martin to finally find the net at the 47th minute.

The Mexicans scored, to date, the most beautiful free kick of the competition. Luis Chavez, with the left foot, bamboozled Al-Owais to make it 2-0 at the 52nd minute. The feat was still possible, while Argentina had taken the lead against Poland. Mexico however needed to heal with its goal goal average, which it they failed to do despite all the chances in the world.

Lozano thought he scored his nation’s third goal, but Martin was offside at the 56th minute.

Chavez thought he had his free-kick nestling down the left again, but Al-Owais showed great reflex to stop the shot at the 73rd minute.

The opportunities were therefore soo many for Mexico, who ended up conceding in on one of the rare offensive movements of Saudi Arabia.

After a combination in the area with Hatan Bahebri, Salem Al-Dawsari put his name on the scoreboard to crucify the Mexicans in the final moments of the match ( 90 + 5).

The two countries no doubt dreamt of another life in Qatar, but Saudi Arabia failed to maximize their chances after beating Argentina.