Mexico - Qatar summary: score, goals, highlights, 2023 Gold Cup
Qatar surprise well-drilled Mexican machine
Coming into this one we knew that Mexico would rotate a few players with their place in the next round already secured. On the other hand, most would agree that we also expected El Tricolor to finish the group with a perfect record against a relatively young Qatari side.
Of course, we all know what they say about expectations. On minute 28, it was Hazem Shehata who sent the small group of Qatari fans present into rapture. A well worked move and a lethal header gave the Gulf nation a 1-0 lead, and it's a lead they held to the very end. Of course they needed a favorable result in the group's other match between Haiti and Honduras. Thankfully the central American nation was able to oblidge by handing the Haitins a 2-1 loss. With that Qatar heads to the knock round alongside the group winner Mexico.
Speaking of Mexico, it's got to be said that from start to finish they were quality. Truthfully, it's difficult to comprehend how they didn't manage to score but such is the way of the 'beautiful game.'
Carlos Queiroz's men played with an intensity that was surprising to see given their aforementioned qualification, but that is the nature of things when you wear such a storied jersey. They may not have needed the win, but they certainly wanted it. Truth be told, were it not for a stellar performance from Barsham in Qatar's goal and of course the crossbar itself, things could have been very different.
Ultimately both teams can now focus on the knockout stage and in that there will be mutual joy. Yet, fans from either side will be hoping that lessons were learned. For Qatar, they will have to be sharper on defense. For Mexico, they will need to do the same on offense.
Qatar has done it! They are on the way to the knock out stage of the Gold Cup alongside Mexico who will qualify has group winners!
Once again we've got the homophobic chant. They'll need to be spoken to about that.
We're in the final minute of stoppage time but we're definitely going to see some added time here.
A collision between Lainez and Moustafa but it's the latter who remains on the ground.
Mexico are playing like the need the win. Qatar are holding on for dear life,but they've managed to break. Unfortunately, Mexico regain and break.
From the corner it's Gimenez with the header but it goes agonizingly wide.We'll have another corner and once again a header goes just wide. It's Reyez this time.
Mexico are piling on the pressure now but still there is no goal. The ball is worked to the right side where Lainez is forced even wider. His cross is blocked and we'll have a corner.
From the resulting corner, Chavez plays it way too long and Qatar will have possession once again.
It's Alvarez with a bicycle but Barsham manages to save. This one has got everything!
Carlos Queiros is booked for defense.
We've got a foul on the right side and it looks like the referee is going to have words.
Mexico bring the ball up slowly, apparently still willing to look for an equalizer. As things stand it will be Mexico and Qatar who advance.
We're going to have 10 minutes of stoppage time folks!
It's Mashal who is booked.
Arteaga onc again down the left, but his cross is just cleared. It will be Alvarez who brings it up and plays to the right where Antuna tries to work his magic. A heavy challenge on Alvarado which results in a card.
Mexico regain possession and work the ball to the left where Arteaga awaits. His lofted ball into the box is too close to Barsham and the Qatari keeper will restart.
Qatar with the throw on the right side deep in Mexican territory.
One has got to applaud the way in which Mexico have approached this half given that they don't need a win.
Alvarez's header off of the corner hits the crossbar. Qatar breathes a sigh of relief. Remember Qatar has to win this to have hope of qualifying for the next round.
Qatar are defending with everything they have. Lainez's first shot is blocked and so is his second, they will have a corner.
To put things in perspective, Mexico have 17 shots to Qatar's 1, however, that 1 counts for a whole lot at this point.
That could have been it. A deft chip over the top to Gimenez who touches it back for Lainez but the latter's volley is blocked.
Antuna on the right is trying to make his mark but his cross is cleared and they will have to go again. Qatar now have 11 men behind the ball.
Mexico still looking as they play a deep cross in from the left. Qatar will clear and Mexico are forced to rebuld from the back.
Mexico changes Romo and Araujo for Antuna and Sanchez respectively.
We're approaching the last 10 minutes of this one and it's still Qatar with the 1-0 lead. Meanwhile Alvarado finds Araujo on the right. His cross, however, isn't so great and its Barsham who claims it.
Mexico get things going down the left. Still looking for that equalizer but slowing the pace somewhat.
Qatar will make two changes with Shehata out for Al Mejaba and Al Abdullah lleaves for Madabo.
Alvarado causes a problem on the right but his low cross to the penalty spot finds nobody. Badly cleared by Qatar, Mexico will have a corner.
Araujo on the right and changes it to Lainez who is proving to be a problem for Qatar's defense.
Arteaga is booked for a cynical foul.Qatar with the free kick which finds Asad, but his cross is caught by Ochoa. Mexico break through Lainez, but he's fouled and they will have a free kick.
Araujo's cross is too close to Barsham who appears to collide with Gimenez. He's slow to his feet and Barsham will restart things.
Qatar finally manage to get out and Asad does well with 2 defenders in front of him, such that a third is required to stop him. Mexico break.
Kedir tries to make headway on the right side but is robbed and Mexico immediately find Araujo on the right. Mexico appearing to want that equalizer rather than just seeing this one out.
Fans were on their feet as Lainez worked his way through the midfield and then found Gimenez whose chipped attempt left Qataris praying. Sadly it didn't find the net and Qatar's hopes remain intact.
We finally restart play and it's Qatar with the ball but they immediately give it away and Mexico are off and running down the left side.
We've got a red card shown to to Qatar's assistant coach and now Gimenez has received a yellow card. The referee is going to have his work cut for him in these remaining minutes.
We still haven't restarted play and the referee has gone to the VAR system. Truth is there was a skirmish between the players which led to the players on the ground. From what we can see it was Gimenez who struck his marker, only to be hit in the neck himself by another.
We've got a player from either side down. It appears the teams are beginning to lose their cool with each other. Barsham is on the ground as well once more. Is this time wasting or is there a genuine injury.
The Mexican fans have once again made a homophobic chant, which in theory could result in the match being paused. For the moment we continue.
Barsham is down for a third time and with that he's been warned by the referee about time wasting. With that said, the backup keeper is warming up.
Araujo on the right plays back to the middle but is then found once again via a cross from Alvarado but his header is over the bar.
We've got half hour plus stoppage time left in this one as Mexico continue to pressure. Romo finds Lainez on the left and his cross beats everybody.
Mexico will make two changes with Alvarado coming on for Herrera, while Lainez will replace Pineda.
Al Abdullah is still down and receiving treatement.
Mexico finally win the ball back and break through Gimenez. They're looking for that goal now. Unfortunately, the ball is robbed by Qatar. We've got a man down and it's Al Abdullah.
From the throw Qatar play the ball home and begin to build along the left side.
Qatar playing some decent football now and they've got a throw on the right side.
We're beginning to see a greater urgency from Mexico but Qatar are able to rob them of the ball and will have a free kick after Almarafi is fouled in midfield.
A lovely ball to Araujo on the right once again but he plays home as he's immediately double teamed.
Almarafi is heading off for Ayman.
If Qatar advance it will be because of Barsham's performance tonight, not just their goal.Meanwhile Mexico continue to probe. They've just shy of 70% possession at this point.
From Aruajo's cross Romo's point blank range shot is saved incredibly by Romo.
Qatar with a rare piece of possession but they're quickly dispossessed and Chavez worrks it to Araujo.
Mexico once more after Barsham's release and it's Gimenez who gets it with his back to the goal. and finds Chavez wide. The cross is back in and Gimenez attempts a bicycle but is called for offside.
To the left they go and then back to the right with Alvarez who finds Chavez and he lets fly with a left footed shot but Barsham is up to the task.
Mexico are at it again. Preferring to build slowly it seems rather than the high-tempo way they approached the first half.
Araujo's cross from the right side is dangerous but it's cleared by Qatar. Mexico will play back to Ochoa who finds Araujo once again. This time his pass isn't good.
Mexico appear to be starting this half at a slower pace. They're safe after all, however, one has to feel that they're going to attempt to get back in this game rather than just seeing things out as they are.
Off we go again and it's Mexico who start us off in this 2nd half!
We're ready to go
The players are back out on the field and we're almost set for what is sure to be a crazy second half. Remember if results in the group stay as they are right now, it'll be Mexico and Qatar that go to the next round!
The referee brings the half to an end and it's Qatar with the 1-0 lead.
An unreal sequence of play as Pineda was played in. but his shot was blocked. Herrera then tried the chip with the follow up and Gimenez failed to put it in at the back post.
Mexico trying their best to find an equalizer before the half ends but Chavez's cross is to close to Barsham.
Mexico break and Herrera is fouled. It's a card for Ahmed.
Al-Abdullah is on his feet and Barsham will take the goal kick.
We're in the final minute of the half and we'll have 4 minutes of stoppage time. A decent cross from Arteaga and it's volleyed by Chavez but over the bar. We've got a man down.
Pineda is tackled in the box an Qatar spring a counter - they're getting better and better at doing so. They will have a throw from the right side of Mexico's area.
We've just learned that Honduras have equalized against Haiti, meaning as things stand, Qatar will join Mexico in the next round.
A great ball into the ball from Araujo and Arteaga goes down in the box but the referee is having none of it. Qatar break.
After a tussle in the corner Jimenez is dispossessed and Qatar break. Unfortunately, they themselves are dispossesed and Mexico will break again.
Barsham with a long kick but it goes all the way through to Ochoa who finds Jimenez with a lovely long ball to the right.
We've now got 5 minutes left in this half plus stoppage time and it's Qatar with the shock 1-0 lead.
It's Asad who will enter for Waad. You can see the disappointment in the 23-year-old's face.
We've got another man on the ground and this time it's Mohammed Waad. Queiroz will be making a change it seems.
The stadium announcer has just warned the Mexican fans about the homophobic chants that they are shouting. He's advised that if they continue, the match will be paused. Should they continue even after that, the match will be forfeited, meaning Mexico would suffer an automatic 3-0 loss.
Mexico are probing but have found no joy as yet.
Barsham is on the ground once again following the freekick. It could be that his problem is worse than originally feared.
A dangerous delivery and a decent header from Jimenez but it's over the bar.
There seems to be some dispute between the referee and players in the box but no cards are flashed. We will have our free kick.
Waad risking a second booking now as he gets tangled with Chavez. Mexico with the free kick from the left side of the box.
Mexico really pushing for the equaliser and this time it's a low cross from Herrera on the right but Qatar clear. Mexico will play home to Ochoa.
Mexico once again pouring on the pressure. Herrera is fouled on the right side and we've got the first card of the game. It goes to Waad.
Mexico are back at it as they play the ball to the right side and we've got a lovely cross from Pineda but Jimenez's header is spectacularly saved by Barsham
Now we've definitely got a game on our hands. Mexico were starting to look like the goal was coming and all of a sudden they're one down.
Out of nowhere! What looked to be a non threatening piece of possession has turned into a shock of a goal. A lovely cross in from Marafee and a bullet header from Hazem Shehata!
Herrera with a shot from the edge of the box but he's unable to get any fire on it and it goes through to Barsham.
On gets the feeling that it's only a matter of time until Mexico scores given the amount of pressure they are placing on Qatar.
A rare foray into the attacking third for Qatar but the through ball is too long and it will go to Ochoa. His pass to Pineda who has switch to the left is precise.
Mexico back with the ball - starting to be the norm - and we've got a great cross by Pineda but again nobody can get on the end of it.
We've just learned that Haiti is 1-0 on Honduras, which means regardless of the outcome of this game, Qatar will be going home. They need a win and for Haiti to lose.
Chavez with a pretty decent effort from a long way out. Almost pulling off the spectacular.
Another terrible giveaway by Qatar's defense but Pineda plays Chavez into trouble and he's fouled for his efforts. Mexico will have a free kick from in front of the area.
Alvarez showing real technique on the right side after he works his own way out of defense. Eventually he's dispossessed and Qatar break. Indeed, they almost get in with an opportunity but Waad's final ball to Al-Abdullah leaves a lot to be desired.
Rodriguez gets the studs on top of his foot and goes down in some considerable pain. There is no card on the call, but he'll need some of the magic spray.
A dangerous delivery from Chavez but Barsham just manages to palm the ball away. Fortunately for Qatar the referee has spotted a foul amidst the scramble in front of goal. A free kick to Qatar.
A heavy foul on the right side as Herrera goes down after a firm challenge. Mexico will have the free kick from the right side of the area.
A terrible defensive error from Qatar almost leads to Mexico's opener, but in the end Herrera is unable to profit off of Khoder's gift, with his shot trickling to Barsham.
Following the throw, Mexico work the ball through Ochoa in goal and he's pressured but calmly plays to Pineda on the right. There's a foul.
A decent ball to the right side where Kedir was waiting, but his first touch fails him and Mexico will have the throw.
The big man is back on his feet and seems to be good to go. Qatar will get us going once again.
The corner is cleared but only as far as Pineda whose immediate early cross is just cleared. We've got a man down though and it's Barsham - Qatar's keeper. He appears to be in some discomfort.
A dangerous ball from the left side of the area, but Jimenez is unable to get on the end of it. The ref has seen a touch on the ball and so there will be a corner.
Sadly, Qatar's brief spell of possession comes to an end and Mexico break.
Building from the back, Mexico work the ball to the right side this time. For a change, however, Qatar manage to dispossess them and will try to work forward.
Barsham gets things off and running again but the ball is straight into Mexican territory and they will build once again.
PLaying from left to right the Mexicans are surging forward, but in the end Jimenez's run down the left side comes to an end when he lets the ball run out of play. Qatar's goal kick.
Mexico are definitely up for this one. They are hounding the Gulf nation's players relentlessly. Indeed, Qatar really haven't even had the ball so far.
This time it's Herrera who brings it down infront of the box but he's forced to play home. Mexico are enjoying the lion's share of possession, but a pass down the left for Chavez is just too long. Qatar with the goal kick.
There is a high tempo in these opening exchanges but Mexico have been the quicker to settle.
A decent cross from the left side by Perrera who forces a save out of Barsham.
Mexican quickly rob the Qataris of the ball and appear to want to get a feel for things before looking to attack.
Qatar get us started with the ball playing in their white kit in what is their first ever game against Mexico. Meanwhile El Tricolor are in their traditional green strip.
It's time
The teams are in their respective huddles and we're just about read to go!
The players are ready
The teams are in the tunnel, the fans are in full swing and we're just about ready to go. It's Mexico vs Qatar coming up!
What time is it? Game Time!
With a large crowd on hand in Levi's Stadium, it's almost time for kickoff between Mexico and Qatar in this final match of Group B.
El Tricolor have already qualified and will be looking to end the group phase with a perfect record, while the Gulf nation desperately needs a win to keep their hopes alive. Stay with us!
How the teams are lining up
Mexico have made some changes to the side that beat Haiti 3-1 last week. Qatar on the other hand, are much the same as they were when they drew with Honduras. Expect fireworks in this one.
We're getting close to kickoff
With less than an hour before kickoff, we're definitely getting excited about this one. For Mexico they will be looking to experiment a little with qualification for the next round now assured. Of course that won't diminish their desire to end their group play with a perfect record.
Indeed, El Tricolor have endured a turbulent time in recent weeks with former head coach Diego Cocca being sacked just days before the start of the tournament, something that makes their solid play so far even more worthy of praise.
On the other side of the field we've got the Gulf nation which recently hosted the FIFA World Cup. Having only picked up a single point after a 2-1 loss to Haiti, and a 1-1 draw with Honduras, nothing less than a win will do for the Maroon. Of course, even a win may not be enough to see them through.
Mexico's starting 11 is in!
A look at who will be in the starting lineup against Qatar tonight.
If you're gonna do something, do it right!
Some fans go the extra mile when it comes to showing for their team. Then there are others who do more than show their colors, they show their culture.
A star on the rise
The Mexican young gun will get the nod tonight. Will he respond with a performance to remember? El Tri can only hope that will be the case.
If you'd like to watch the game, then be sure to follow the link. Also don't forget you can follow us here as we take you through the action as it happens!
The fans are starting to arrive
Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California will play host to what promises to be an intense affair between Mexico and Qatar.
Mexico and the winds of change
With qualification looking ever more likely, the Mexicans are looking to experiment with a few things.Of course it's change that has largely been responsible for the way in which the team has rebuilt itself.
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Welcome Welcome Welcome!
The 2023 Gold Cup has definitely been living up to the hype and following last night's action, we've got another intriguing match for you.
It's a Group B affair and El Tricolor are looking to secure their spot in the next round with a win over Qatar. Having won two games already, Mexico who are perennial giants of CONCACAF football will be looking to end the group stage with a perfect record.
Qatar on the other hand can't afford anything other than a win if they are to maintain hopes of qualification.
Either way you cut it, this is going to be a good one and with that we'd like to welcome you to our coverage of this Gold Cup tie here on AS. Stay with us, as we'll be bringing you the buildup and of course all of the action play by play.