Rabat – Saudi Arabia’s national football team has been eliminated from the ongoing Qatar World Cup after losing to Mexico 2-0 during the two teams’ last match at the group stage.
The match took place at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar at 8 p.m. Moroccan time.
The first half of the game ended with neither team scoring a goal, but Mexico’s Henry Martin scored his team’s first goal in the 47th minute.
Luis Chavez scored the Latin squad’s goal only five minutes later.
Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al-Dawsari scored his team’s first goal during added time.
Despite its win, Mexico will not be able to qualify to the round of 16 as it failed to secure enough points.
Predictions from Opta Analyst reported that Mexico has a 56.4% chance of winning the face off while stating that Saudis, who made history against Argentina, have only 21.2% to secure the much-needed three points.
Saudi Arabia started their journey in the first Arab-hosted World Cup with an unprecedented and historic 2-1 victory against the Argentinian giants. However, the team was defeated 2-0 by Poland, leaving the Green Falcons with three points.
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Mexico, however, had tough two games against Poland and Argentina that resulted in a draw and a 2-0 defeat opened by Lionel Messi.
This year and for the first time since 1978, Mexico is facing the threat of leaving the World Cup’s group stage.
El Tri has a strong history of impressive performances recorded throughout the past seven world cups. However, this time the team is sitting in last position in Group C with one point, behind Saudi Arabia, Argentina, and the group’s leader Poland.
While the team is facing mounting frustration from the public and recent resignation of coach Argentinan manager Gerardo Martino, El tri was determined to secure a victory against the rising Arab stars.
Speaking to global media earlier this week, Martino stated that Mexico is ready for today’s game, adding that the team is “not afraid” to face the Green Falcons.
“We face and respect all rivals that we have in front of us, we all know how well [Saudi] Arabia has done in the match against Argentina, and especially in the first half against Poland, but I don’t think there is fear in someone who is used to competing,” the coach said.
For his part, Saudi Arabia’s head coach Herve Renard noted that “Mexico has a lot of experience in the World Cup,” stressing that his team must “fight to stay in the tournament.”
Renard also noted the high expectation of the Saudi public, arguing that the players “should write history or they will be forgotten within 30 years.” Riyadh hopes to secure its first qualification for the round of 16 since 1994.
