World Cup report: Mexico 2 - 1 Saudi Arabia

Mexico missed out on qualification for the knock-out stages despite winning 2-1 against Saudi Arabia. A two-goal blast at the start of the second half gave them hope of overhauling the goal difference of Poland. The concession of a goal at the very end confirmed the worse.  

It was a disappointing finale for Saudi Arabia’s tournament. They have given a lot to the World Cup through their win over Argentina in the opening game and how they played against Poland. Netting at the very end at least gave them a consolation.     

Gerardo Martino made three changes from the defeat to Argentina. Jorge Sanchez, Orbelin Pineda and Henry Martin came into the side. The later tasked with leading the attack.

They replaced Nestor Araujo, Hector Herrera and Andreas Guardado. Herve Renard also made three alterations from their loss to Mexico. Sultan Al Ghannam, Hassan Al Tambaki and Ali Al Hassan all started. Mohammed Al Burayk, Abdulelah Al Malki and Al Naji dropping out. The latter has had to return home after his tournament was cut short due to injury. 

Both sides were looking neat in possession and dangerous on the break. Saudi Arabia won a free kick opportunity after Saud Abdulhamid was brought down just outside the area. Salem Al Dawsari shaped to take it, before leaving it to Mohammed Kanno to strike it instead.

Guillermo Ochoa was wrong footed but still managed to get it away. Mohammed Al Owais was busy at the other end and had to come off his line to deny Henry Martin.  

Mexico were seeing plenty of the ball but having difficulty in converting any of the chances. Orbelin Pineda had an opportunity at the back post. His header hit Sultan Al Ghannam before being cleared.

Luis Chavez saw a chance deflected wide before Jesus Gallardo’s drive went over from a corner. In a rare opening at the other end, Ali Al Hassan had a header flash wide. 

Mexico knew that more was needed and they came out again in determined fashion. Straight from the start, they immediately put their opponents under pressure with Al Owais forced into a number of saves and the concession of corners. One of these led to the opening goal. It was swept in, flicked on by Cesar Montes and bundled home by Martin. 

Before the Saudis had time to respond, they were two down. Martin was fouled just outside the area. Luis Chavez stepped up and curled an unstoppable effort into the top right-hand corner. It was his first ever international goal and suddenly they were now in the mix for qualification.

They thought another had arrived when Lozano slotted home after a one-two with Martin. The latter was just offside in the build-up. 

Saudi Arabia were doing their best to try and muster a response, but finding it extremely difficult. It was an almost constant green wave towards Al Owais’ goal. Martin volleyed just over, Lozano shot narrowly wide and Chavez had another free kick tipped just wide when it seemed destined for the left corner. 

Given the score line and number of yellow cards elsewhere, Mexico knew that one more goal would see them progress ahead of Poland on goals scored. The Saudi backline were desperately trying to block whatever shots came their way. The tension was palpable in the stadium. 

Herve Renard's side then delivered a dagger blow to the Mexican hopes. With everyone being thrown forward, the Saudis broke onto a loose ball. Salem Al Dawsari played a one-two with Hattan Bahbri on the edge of the area and slotted past Ochoa. 

Both sides slumped to the ground in disappointment and exhaustion upon the final whistle. A reflection of the effort put in and what might have been. An end of the journey for each squad as they prepare for the future.            

Mexico: Guillermo Ocha; Jorge Sanchez (Kevin Alvarez 86), Cesar Montes, Hector Moreno, Jesus Gallardo, Edson Alvarez (Rogelio Funes Mori 86), Luis Chavez, Hirving Lozano, Orbelin Pineda (Carlos Rodriguez 76), Alexis Vega (Uriel Antuna 46), Henry Martin (Raul Jimenez 76)

Subs not used: Alfredo Talavera, Nestor Araujo, Johan Vasquez, Gerardo Arteaga, Luis Romo, Rodolfo Cota, Erick Gutierrez, Hector Herrera, Andreas Guardado, Roberto Alvarado

Booked: Edson Alvarez (16)

Saudi Arabia: Mohammed Al Owais; Sultan Al Ghannam (Hattan Bahbri 88), Hassan Tambakti; Ali Al Bulayhi (Riyadh Sharahili 37), Feras Al Brikan, Ali Al Hassan (Abdullah Madu 46), Saud Abdulhamid, Salem Al Dawsari, Saleh Al Shehri (Abdulraham Al Obud 61), Mohammed Kanno
Subs not used: Mohammed Al Yami, Abdullah Otayf, Sami Al Naji, Nawaf Al Abid, Nawaf Al Aqidi, Nasser Al Dawsari, Haitham Asiri, Riyadh Sharahili 

Booked: Ali Al Hassan (22), Al Sheri (28), Hassan Tambakti (51), Abdullah Madu (81), Abdulelah Al Amri (90), Hattan Bahbri 90+6

Referee: Michael Oliver
Attendance: 84,985
extratime.com Player of the Match: Hirving Lozano (Mexico)

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