Mexico’s 2-1 victory towards Saudi Arabia was not sufficient for them to advance from Group C, as Poland and Argentina progress.
Henry Martin and Luis Chavez scored for Mexico as they defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 in an exciting Group C match, however it was not sufficient for El Tri to qualify for the World Cup knockout stage, with Poland snatching the second qualifying spot within the group behind Argentina.
Two targets in fast succession early within the second half gave Mexico a 2-0 lead on Wednesday as Saudi Arabia’s defence appeared to break down. Within the different Group C recreation, Argentina additionally was up 2-0 towards Poland.
The Mexicans wanted yet another aim to overhaul Poland on aim distinction and get by means of the group however it was the Saudis who scored within the dying moments of the sport making it 2-1.
Saudi Arabia got here into the sport figuring out a win would earn them a spot within the Spherical of 16 whatever the Argentina-Poland end result. However the stars needed to align for the Mexican gamers who wanted to win their very own match by a big margin and hope for a beneficial end result from the Poland-Argentina recreation.
The primary 45 minutes noticed the Mexican aspect dominate possession and attempt to exploit the area behind the Saudi defence however they struggled to create clear probabilities.
With each Group C matches scoreless at half-time, qualification appeared out of attain for El Tri. However a aim shortly after half-time gave new hope to the boisterous Mexican followers within the stadium and people watching all over the world.
Within the forty seventh minute, Martin bundled the ball into the again of the web from a nook kick. It was Mexico’s first aim of the event. 5 minutes later, an outrageous strike from Chavez – a free kick from practically 30 yards out – doubled Mexico’s lead.
In the meantime, Poland had been struggling to comprise Lionel Messi and his teammates who had gone 2-0 up by the 67th minute, due to targets from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez.
By then, all Mexico wanted was yet another aim to make it to the final 16. They had been tied with Poland on aim distinction, targets scored and head-to-head factors, however the Polish crew had a greater honest play report – fewer yellow playing cards.
A aim by Argentina would have additionally been sufficient for Mexico. However as the ultimate whistle blew on the Poland-Argentina recreation, Salem Al-Dawsari scored towards Mexico within the ninety fifth minute making it 2-1.
“It’s a tough blow, there are not any phrases,” mentioned Mexico midfielder Edson Alvarez. “The crew went out searching for it from the beginning and we had loads of probabilities. However we couldn’t rating and that leaves a bitter style.”
Hirving Lozano, who noticed a late aim disallowed for offside, apologised to Mexico followers for not doing sufficient within the first two matches – a goalless draw towards Poland and a 2-0 loss to Argentina.
“We might have carried out extra, however that’s soccer,” he mentioned. “I at all times dwell the video games to the utmost, at all times giving myself each recreation, each ball … however effectively, the outcomes didn’t come.”
Regardless of the late aim, it was a disappointing end result for Saudi Arabia, who began the event on a excessive, beating Argentina 2-1 towards the chances.
The loss to Mexico that adopted a 2-0 defeat to Poland means Saudi Arabia end backside of the group.
Within the Spherical of 16, Poland will face France, and Argentina will tackle Australia.