Saudi Arabia vs Mexico summary: Mexico out, score, goals, highlights 1-2 | Qatar World Cup 2022
Saudi Arabia vs Mexico: as it happened!
BREAKING NEWS: GERARDO MARTINO LEAVES MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM
"My contract ended when the final whistle blew", said the coach after the game.
Full story here
OK, that's all from me tonight. A bit of breaking news at the end there, just to keep you going. Pobre Tata. Never nice to see someone go.
Anyway, see you all tomorrow for more.
Yes, more.
So much football.
It never stops.
Ever.
Joe
Tata Martino's post-match press conference:
"I am the one responsible for the disappointment we feel today."
"We accept the failure we have had at the World Cup."
"Against Poland we were unable to show the superiority we had and against Argentina, we could have faced the second half with our normal style."
"Tonight, Mexico's superiority was clear to see."
"Today we wanted the third goal knowing the Poland result could have seen us go out on yellow cards."
"Ever since I arrived here I have worked with complete freedom, with no interference from anyone. I appreciate that from the President and the Sporting Directors."
"After Luis Chávez, Edson Álvarez was the player of the match."
Sofascore with their player ratings
Chávez being number 1 isn't a surprise to anyone, is it?
Lozano huffed and puffed all game
Chucky did well, but that final spark of magic was missing for Mexico.
Chucky Lozano post-match comments:
“It wasn't enough in the end, I think we could have done more in the first two games, that’s football. I want to thank the fans, my family and those people who were with us, those who supported us.”
"I don't know what is wrong with the team, the directors have to analyse it and see what is best for Mexico, always try to improve things."
Mexico fans already thinking about Tata's replacement...
Eek. The dust hasn't even settled yet, and they already want his head.
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In the end, it was the lack of goals that killed Mexico. What about this guy?
Post-match reaction from the players:
A video from our colleague Aarón Nieto of a very sad Luis Chávez.
That's true, the Pachuca boys did well
They won't feel it now, but they can both be proud.
Luis Chávez post-match interview
"We'll see what happens after, who has to leave the team because obviously this [World Cup performance] can't happen. We know that Mexico has to at least get out of the group, we set ourselves the target of the fifth game and today we didn't even get to the third... We are leaving here really sad."
"It's a very bittersweet feeling regarding the goal and the result, football is like that."
"Sadness, I don't feel anything else. We aren't happy."
Edson Álvarez post-match interview
"We had lots of attacks and chances to create goals, unfortunately we couldn't make them count. Obviously it's a very bitter taste, but we have to face the facts, we have to face up to the reaction and what lies ahead."
"The group we had wasn't easy at all, obviously winning against Poland would have been the ideal situation. After that you come up against a strong Argentina side and we know that the last game will define everything. We did it, we looked for it, but we go out with a bitter taste."
We apologise, as always, we appreciate the support because the fact that the fans come, that they're here in the stadium with us, is incredible. Seriously, we feel so much support and it's time look inwards on ourselves and on what we are doing wrong, not only on the pitch, but everything."
Joe's Mexico player ratings: /10
Ochoa - 7
Montes - 7
Edson Alvarez - 7.5
Moreno - 7
Sánchez - 7.5
Chavez - 8.5 - Player of the match
Pineda - 8
Gallardo - 7
Lozano - 7.5
Vega - 7
Martin - 8
Al Owais was the man who kept Mexico from running away with the game
8 saves and an excellent rating from Sofascore
The stats were so close...
Poland just edged out Mexico on goal difference.
Stats from the game:
Shots: 10-26
Shots on target: 2-11
Final third entries: 49-68
Crosses: 9-32
An absolutely amazing display from Mexico.
Stats from The Analyst
Player report: Chávez
The 26 year-old Pachuca midfielder was by far and away Mexico's star player tonight. He controlled the midfield with precision, drive and quality. And he came up with a fantastic goal when his team most needed it. Although he probably won't feel pride about tonight for a while, he can go home with his head held high.
Mexico finally found their attacking boots, just not the goalscoring ones
That's a lot of xG for one game...
A nice stat, but it was not to be...
A great goal, but ultimately let down by the other results.
FULL TIME!
FT: Saudi Arabia 1-2 Mexico
Match report and reaction coming up...
So, it was not to be for Mexico, who showed the spirit and attacking talent that they so lacked in previous games this tournament. The intent was there from the first whistle, and they made Saudi Arabia look practically non-existent all game. The Asian side had no control and tried their best to hold back the Mexican relentlessness but had no other choice but to suffer it.
Martin was excellent all game, as was Chávez, who would be my player of the match. Hirving Lozano provided constant threat, but I can't help but think that sometimes he could have used his teammates more than he did.
A comment about Ochoa and the defence is basically useless, as they hardly participated all game. Sánchez at right back did well in support in the first half before Chucky moved to the left and Pineda linked up excellently with both of them.
But, in the end, the two poor results - especially the lacklustre performance against Poland - is where the problems lie for Mexico, and Tata Martino will have to answer serious questions about why he didn't bring along the young, upcoming, attacking talent that Mexico has.
All of the regulation time is up. No whistle as of yet.
Mexico with a free kick near halfway. They still need a third...
Into the final minute
GOAL FOR SAUDI ARABIA
Heartbreaking for Mexico. That practically sends Poland through!
A lovely one-two on the edge of the box broke through the Mexican defence, who were naturally thinking about attacking, and it was slotted past Ochoa.
Four years summed up in two minutes...
FT: POLAND 0-2 ARGENTINA
Mexico need to score. They have 2 minutes.
Chucky smacks a shot over the bar...
Lozano complains that he was fouled outside the box. He wasn't.
Corner for Mexico.
Cleared well.
SAVE!
And the rebound hits a Saudi player!
Lozano stands over it...
Free kick for Mexico, just outside the box. Funes Mori brought down.
SEVEN minutes added.
Into the last minute of normal time.
Funes Mori hits a shot and it smashes into Madu's chest, who goes down.
It was a good chance, but again, maybe Lozano took just too much time on the ball.
NO!! OFFSIDE!!!!!
ANTUNA WAS INCHES OFFSIDE
That came from nothing, Antuna was slipped through the lines and poked it under Al Owais, but he was just offside.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAALLLL
Funes Mori and K Álvarez on now for Montes and Sánchez
Saudi Arabia are pressing Mexico now, something they haven't done all game.
A poor cross from Sánchez is easily cleared, but Mexico keep pushing.
Al Owais runs out 40 yards to head away a long ball reaching Lozano.
Wasted.
Chucky rolls it to Chávez but his shot is blocked...
Chucky stood over the ball, just to the right of the D...
CHANCE!
HUGE FREE KICK OPPORTUNITY; CHUCKY BROUGHT DOWN
He was on his own, running towards goal, and was brought down an inch outside the box. So close to being a penalty...
Ten to go...
Chucky wastes a huge chance to attack: he wanted to go all the way on his own when the perfect opening pass was there to his left. Saudi Arabia steal the ball.
There are some subs for Mexico: Raúl and Rodríguez are on for Martin and Pineda.
Al Owais with a clearance!
HUGE CALL FOR A PENALTY FOR MEXICO
IT LOOKED LIKE HANDBALL
Oliver waves it away.
PINEDA GOES SO CLOSE
A shot from the left flies wide after a great pass from Henry Martin...
Chucky called offside and another promising move breaks down.
Chávez with a beautiful spin in the centre of the pitch and a fantastic through ball, but Oliver calls for a foul.
Chávez has been outstanding today.
Just over 15 minutes to go... can Mexico find another goal?
HUGE SAVE FROM AL OWAIS
THAT WAS GOING INTO THE TOP CORNER. WHAT A SAVE.
Chávez and Chucky are stood over it. It's very central and about 30 yards from goal... part two from Chávez?
Very dangerous free kick for Mexico.
17 shots for Mexico vs 8 for Saudi Arabia
The balls over the top are doing HUGE damage to Saudi Arabia. Mexico keep going....
OVER FROM MARTIN!!!
The free-kick finds Martin who blasts a chance over the bar. That was so close.
Pineda is brought down after a long ball from the back finds him in space behind the defence. Free kick for Mexico, 40 yards out on the right...
At the moment, Poland are ahead on yellow cards, another goal for Mexico (or Argentina) puts them second...
Saudi Arabia corner cleared. Goal kick for Ochoa.
HUGE SAVE FROM AL OWAIS
Lozano whacked a long-range shot and Al Owais stretched like a plasticine man to reach the low ball.
Argentina have scored again! 0-2!
Have we got a penalty?!
Nope! Oliver waves it away. No foul on Martin.
Angry Mexican faces as Chávez tries to play a quick throw to Martin, who obviously can't be offside, but Oliver calls it back.
Argentina are still winning 0-1.
Follow it here, if you dare leave this one!
Free kick on the left side for Saudi Arabia, headed over.
Al Oboud on for Al Shehri
Passes aren't being completed by the Asian side, clearances are being sliced, runs aren't being seen. Mexico have them truly rattled.
Al Owais punches clear. All of Saudi Arabia breathes for the first time in 10 minutes.
And another corner... the 6th of the game.
And the resulting corner nearly flies in!
Corner again.
Shouts for a Mexico penalty! Antuna is brought down!
Waved away. It was a fair tackle.
Mexico are finding all sorts of spaces behind the defence...
OFFSIDE!
Lozano found himself in between the two centre-backs and slid the ball into the net, but the linesman held up his flag. Correct decision.
THREE!
The stadium is bouncing. Absolutely bouncing. Nobody can believe it.
Saudi Arabia go on the offensive, but the header from Sultan goes over.
WHAT AN AMAZING GOAL: CHÁVEZ HITS THE FREE KICK FROM 35 YARDS OUT AND IT FLIES INTO THE TOP CORNER.
MEXICO NEED ONE MORE.
GOOOOOOOOOOLLLLAAAAZZZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
GOOOOOOOOOOLLLLAAAAZZZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
GOOOOOOOOOOLLLLAAAAZZZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Foul on Martin, about 35 metres out.
Argentina have gone 1-0 up, a goal from Mac Allister.
Mexico are third, on goal difference.
It's not a shot, but Al Dawsari lofts a cross in, but it goes out of play.
Edson brings down a Saudi attacker on the edge of the box and the Asian side have a huge chance to equalise...
GOL GOL GOL GOL GOL GOL
GOOOOOAALLLLL FROM MARTIN!!! ONE NIL!
The corner is whipped in low and hard and Martin knocks it into the net!
There is hope!
SAVE FROM A CHÁVEZ SHOT
A great left-footed effort that's well saved by Al Owais. Corner.
Chucky looks like he's on the left...
And plays a fantastic cross that nearly finds Antuna!
Al Hassan off for Madu.
And we're off!
Ah, OK. An interesting sub for Mexico.
Vega OFF for Antuna.
The players are ready to come back out for the second half...
...but not before a group hug and some words from Ochoa first.
Surely they'll find the breakthrough at some point, right?
They had 10 shots over the past two games.
Poland - 6 shots
Argentina - 4 shots
HALF TIME!
HT: Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico
Madre mía, what a half of football. Mexico have been relentless in attack, and looked like they have the potential to score 50 goals - the only that is wrong is that they can't. I don't know why, but things are just not falling for them so far.
Apart from the header in the last seconds, El Tri have not let Saudi Arabia have a sniff of the ball. The Asian side have tried their best to keep ahold of the ball but for the majority of the game they have instead tried to stop Mexico from using them as training cones.
Mexico's plan of hitting Chucky and Sánchez over the top has worked to an extent, but I feel if they maintain the pressure from across the front line and continue to keep Kanno under wraps, then that is how they are going to find the most joy. Something must fall their way eventually, surely...
But at the moment, it's Saudi Arabia who are one goal away from coming top of the group.
CHANCE FOR SAUDI ARABIA!!!
A header flies wide! Al Hassan was alone in the box and the cross from the right was met cleanly but the shot spins wide. Ochoa had no chance.
Last minute of the half
A MATCH-SAVING CHALLENGE FROM GALLARDO
Alburaikan was away after a through ball in between the centre-backs, Gallardo galloped back and heroically cleared the ball.
Lozano fires a cross that nearly ends up outside the stadium. Lots of sad faces.
Saudi Arabia have slowed the game right down for the past few minutes, they clearly want the break to come as soon as possible.
6 minutes added.
Four chances for Mexico in four seconds!
Vega's shot is blocked...Gallardo's cross is cleared...Chávez's shot hits a defender...and Lozano is called offside!
A chance for a breakaway for Mexico, but Michael Oliver pulls it back for a foul. Mexico are just lacking the final element of each attack to go in their favour. Other than that, there's not much to complain about.
Mexico fans continue to cheer on their team, but more out of desperation than hope, I fear. Lots of nervous expressions in the crowd.
CHANCE!
It's a terrible free-kick, but the ball falls to Pineda and his shot dribbles wide.
Free kick for Mexico about 40 metres out after Chucky has his shirt pulled. About to be launched into the box...
Five to go here; Mexico are on top but have yet to find the net. Saudi Arabia have been unable to threaten due to the pressure from Tata Martino's side.
In other news: Messi has missed a penalty against Poland!
Saudi Arabia get into the Mexico box but the defence clears...
Hirving Lozano and Chávez try to link up on the right but the ball rolls out of play.
Alboleahi taken off with muscular problems. Sharahili comes on.
A volley from Gallardo is blasted over. He had lots of time and space there.
Corner to Mexico...
Alhassan booked for a foul on Chávez. Looked to grab him in the face as he tripped him.
The ball is launched into the box but is cleared.
A few fouls from both sides have broken up the play over the past few minutes, which is something Mexico won't want at all. It's a tense game.
Over half an hour played, and Mexico have been well on top.
They just haven't been able to score.
Mexico with 71 passes in the opponent's half so far, compared to 44 from Saudi Arabia.
Mexico also have 12 penalty entries; Saudi Arabia have 3.
(stats from The Analyst)
SO CLOSE AGAIN FROM MEXICO
THE CLOSEST CHANCE YET
A cross from Lozano on the right finds Pineda who dives down to head towards goal, but it is cleared off the line by a defender. The goalkeeper was nowhere to be seen!
CHANCE AGAIN FOR MEXICO!
There's a zip about Mexico tonight: their passes are finding the targets; Pineda's shot from inside the box after a takedown was weak but Al Owais had to get down well to collect.
It came from a nice ball over the top to Sánchez, who linked up well with Chucky on the right side.
Kanno with some lovely footwork to turn away from Chávez. Cheers all round.
Chance for Mexico!
Chávez with a long-range effort after a few crosses were headed out by the Saudi defenders. That's more like it.
Saudi Arabia's 4-3-3 off the ball means they have more people in the middle of the pitch than Mexico's on-ball 3-4-3.
Let's see if El Tri find a way to get around it: right now their plan is to a) find Lozano in the middle and b) play balls over the top.
Edson Álvarez hits a nice looking ball into the space behind the Saudi left-back, but Sánchez can't reach it and it bounces out for a goal kick.
The stoppages have taken the spice out of the opening 15 minutes.
Mexico have to keep their cool without letting the pace of the game drop: a point is worth nothing for them tonight.
We're back underway after the stoppage for Kanno'streatment.
First booking of the night goes to Edson Álvarez, and he's not happy.
It's a 3-4-3 from Mexico in build-up moments, with Edson dropping between Montes and Moreno.
Off the ball, it looks more like a 4-3-3 from Tata's side.
Kanno shoots just over the bar. Mexico survive.
5 players in the Mexico wall...
Dangerous free kick coming up for Saudi Arabia on the edge of the box. Chávez with the foul.
Free-kicks and stoppages are being taken at lightning pace by Mexico, who aren't letting the Asian side breathe.
I had cold hands before this game started, Mexico have definitely warmed them up.
Chief pest Vega is making sure the 3vs2 advantage Saudi Arabia have against Mexico's strikers counts for absolutely nothing. He's like a wasp that gets caught under your jumper, impossible to get rid of.
Madre mía, Mexico are up for it tonight. Sánchez called offside after breaking away in behind the Saudi defence.
VERY CLOSE AGAIN FOR VEGA
The ball is curled in and Martin jumps in front of the goalkeeper, who spills it to Vega, but the striker can't quite control it quickly enough.
Al Dawsari is being treated for an ankle injury.
Mexico have started in a very lively manner. This is positive, so far. They have Saudi Arabia pushed back into a low block.
HUGE CHANCE FOR MEXICO!
Chucky Lozano finds space in the middle of the pitch and plays Vega, who had made a fantastic run from the left, in behind, but his shot is saved from the goalkeeper who came out well.
FIRST SHOT FOR MEXICO
Chávez with a long-range effort that sails wide. Their intentions are clear.
Mexico with the early possession; Edson runs back 20 yards to sit between the centre-backs - I think he forgot he wasn't in midfield.
Off we go!
Mexico in green shirts, green shorts and red socks; Saudi Arabia in all white.
Mexico kick us off from right to left.
Let's see if they have found their goalscoring boots tonight!
The players are out of the tunnel - and that Mexico shirt is delicious. Might ask for one for Christmas.
National anthem time!
Saudi Arabia : Very, very loud, as the fans have been all tournament.
Mexico : impeccably well shouted by all. A lovely tune as well, and lots of words, so fair play.
Is everything ready to go?
Light show - check!
Giant World Cup trophy in the middle of the pitch - check!
Players in the tunnel - check!
Here we go!
Fifteen minutes to go!
The players have finished their warmups and are heading inside to watch the lights show! (well, and to have their team talk)
This is something to keep your hopes alive, Mexico fans.
Can Mexico make it out of the group for the EIGHTH time in a row?
The story so far...
Match day 1:
Saudi Arabia 2-1 Argentina
Mexico 0-0 Poland
Match day 2:
Poland 2-0 Saudi Arabia
Argentina 2-0 Mexico
The Mexican struggle is real...
Remember that you can follow both games live on AS - just click on the photo above to see the Poland vs Argentina live feed from Kieran!
(but keep this one open, we've got flags).
REUTERS
Mexico are out on the pitch!
Just over half an hour to go now!
Mexico aren't telling us, but FIFA will
No official word on the Mexico XI, but FIFA have spilled the beans...
Who plays who in the next round?
The winner of Group C will play against Australia
The runners-up will play against... yes! France!
Who is the referee?
It's Michael Oliver, a man with two first names.
We have the Mexico starting XI!
Ochoa
Montes - Edson Alvarez - Moreno
Sánchez - Chavez - Pineda - Gallardo
Lozano - Vega - Martin
Mexico are in the stadium
(Although we still don't know the starting XI!)
Canelo says sorry to Messi
"These past few days I let myself get carried away for the love and passion I have for my country and I made comments that were out of place and for which I would like to apologise to Messi and the people of Argentina. Every day we learn something new and this time it was my turn."
In case you missed it, check out who Chicharito has signed for...
And here is the news filtering out regarding the Mexico XI
It looks like Tata has taken out Héctor Herrera, who looked leggy in the last game vs Argentina. Let's wait on official confirmation.
We have the Saudi team!
I'll translate:
Alowais
Alghannam - Alamri - Altambakti - Albulayhi
Alhassan - Abdulhambid - Kanno
Aldawsari - Alshehri - Albrikan
The journey has begun!
Mexico start their short trip to the Lusail Stadium for the match that could keep their adventure alive!
Come for the delightful Mexico away shirt, stay for the huge, golden mask.
The fans are definitely in good spirits today!
Permutations time!
A word people only ever use when it's time to wrap up the Group Stages of a tournament, here are the permutations of Group C in the simplest way possible. Simply done because otherwise it hurts my head.
Saudi Arabia :
WIN: they go through. Simples.
LOSE: game over.
DRAW: they go through, but only if Argentina lose or Poland lose by 4 goals. A draw in both games means Saudi Arabia go out.
Mexico :
WIN: If Poland win along with Mexico, El Tri are through. A Poland loss or draw means things go to goal difference, which is complicado, a swing of 3 either way. Basically, win.
LOSS: Hasta luego
DRAW: Hasta luego
In more serious news than the World Cup, football legend Pelé is currently suffering a downward turn in his health. We've got all of the latest news here.
The Lusail Stadium is looking delightful tonight
And the atmosphere is definitely hotting up!
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One for Saudi Arabia fans...
What do we make of this?
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If you want some hope, Mexico fans, take a look at the record against Saudi Arabia.
So, here is the group.
As we can see, it's all up for grabs, and everyone needs a win.
The only problem is that Mexico have had a tough time doing that, gaining just one point so far. That was against Poland, in a game which will not feature on the highlights compilation when the tournament finishes.
1. Poland 4 points
2. Argentina 3 points
3. Saudi Arabia 3 points
4. Mexico 1 point
| group C | T | MP | W | D | L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Heeeeello! Welcome to the live feed of Saudi Arabia vs Mexico (yes, flag fans, they're here today).
It's Joe here and I'll be guiding you through this tasty match, which has more layers than a lovely onion. Speaking of onions, I didn't have Mexican food for lunch today, so if they win, the Argentina result was my fault.