And shortly after the second half began, Mexico had their deserved lead. A corner was flicked on to Henry Martin and the striker tapped in from close range to give Mexico the lead. After Martin’s goal, it was non-stop Mexico in the second half. And they found a second shortly after a wonder strike from Luis Chavez. Mexico won a free-kick nearly 30 yards out and Chavez’s whipped left footer curled away from the Saudi Arabia goalkeeper and into the top corner. It was his first international goal and it was a moment of beauty. Mexico were in comfortable control for the remainder of the game but it was a nail-biting finish at the Lusail Stadium. A tense final half hour saw fans, players, and anyone watching the games flicking between the two Group C matches as there appeared a possibility that second place could be decided by which side, between Mexico and Poland, had fewer yellow cards if they were level on the other qualification criteria.
It set the tone for the remainder of the game with Mexico comfortably controlling the affair and pushing to tilt the goal difference in Group C in their favour. Yet, although Mexico finally found their quality in the second half, it proved to be too little too late. Saudi Arabia vs Mexico player of the match — Obrelin PinedaPineda’s outstanding performance will have many Mexico fans scratching their heads over why he did not start their previous two matches.
Saudi’s No 1 Mohammed Al Owais was unconvincing throughout the affair and Mexico continued to probe with late efforts from Hirving Lozano and Chavez in particular. Yet, Saudi scored against the run of the play in the fifth minute of added time, to send Mexico out on goal difference after an enthralling second half. Key moment of the match — Mexico’s opening goalHenry Martin’s finish came at an important moment, right as the second half began.
Late Aldawsari goal breaks Mexican heartsA drab first half burst into life in the second forty-five minutes, when Mexico outmuscled Saudi Arabia to a 2-1 victory. Their dominant display proved to be futile, however, as Mexico had any hope of qualification vanquished after a stoppage-time finish from Salem Aldawsari sent them out on goal difference. It was a lively atmosphere at the Lusail Stadium, and Saudi Arabia had an encouraging start to the game but Mexico gradually began to impose themselves.
And shortly after the second half began, Mexico had their deserved lead. A corner was flicked on to Henry Martin and the striker tapped in from close range to give Mexico the lead. After Martin’s goal, it was non-stop Mexico in the second half. And they found a second shortly after a wonder strike from Luis Chavez. Mexico won a free-kick nearly 30 yards out and Chavez’s whipped left footer curled away from the Saudi Arabia goalkeeper and into the top corner. It was his first international goal and it was a moment of beauty.
Late Aldawsari goal breaks Mexican heartsA drab first half burst into life in the second forty-five minutes, when Mexico outmuscled Saudi Arabia to a 2-1 victory. Their dominant display proved to be futile, however, as Mexico had any hope of qualification vanquished after a stoppage-time finish from Salem Aldawsari sent them out on goal difference. It was a lively atmosphere at the Lusail Stadium, and Saudi Arabia had an encouraging start to the game but Mexico gradually began to impose themselves.