Renard plots Saudi passage to the last 16 at the World Cup
Saudi Arabia take on Mexico in crucial Group C clash that could decide who makes it into the knockout rounds of the 2022 World Cup.
Saudi Arabia’s stunning win over Argentina in their opening game put them top of Group A but their defeat to Poland means there is still work to do and one point tonight may not be enough for them to qualify. They need the mindset of going out and winning the game against Mexico to ensure they make it through.
Mexico are in the same position. They must win tonight if they want to make it into the last 16 and hope that Poland defeat or draw with Argentina. There are a few permutations that could get Mexico into the knockout stages but to give themselves the best possible chance they need to defeat Saudi Arabia by two goals or more.
Salman Al Faraj is out of the tournament meaning that Saudi Arabia are without their captain whilst Mexico’s leader Andres Guardado is a doubt due to a muscle issue.
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FT Saudi Arabia 1-2 Mexico
Mexico fought to the bitter end and will be ruing the chances that they missed tonight.
Two disallowed goals and a flurry of fantastic saves from Mohammed Al Owais mean they finish third in the group and are eliminated from the World Cup.
Full-time: Saudi Arabia 1-2 Mexico
90+7 mins: There goes the whistle! Mexico find their quality and win the game but it’s not enough for them to make it through the group.
They finish level with Poland on points but the European side have a better goal difference and join Argentina in the last-16.
Heartbreak for Mexico.
GOAL! Saudi Arabia 1-2 Mexico (Al Dawsari, 90+5’)⚽️
90+5 mins: Killer blow! Saudi Arabia fly up the pitch after Mexico commit men forward. Salem Al Dawsari plays a one-two to get into the penalty area and then guides a lovely finish past Guillermo Ochoa.
That goal means Mexico need to score twice now.
Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico
90+4 mins: Mexico keep the pressure on Saudi Arabia but they need to get the ball in the box. Kevin Alvarez surges into the box making his way past three defenders before squaring one into the middle.
It skips through everyone without troubling the goalkeeper. Argentina have won 2-0, Mexico now have to score.
Three minutes to play.
Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico
90+2 mins: Chance! Hirving Lozano takes the free kick and gets it past the wall. Mohammed Al Owais palms the ball away and there are no Mexico players on hand to tap in the rebound.
Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico
90 mins: One more chance for Mexico perhaps? Seven added minutes to play.
Mexico still need a goal as substitute Funes Mori wins a free kick right outside the penalty area. Saudi Arabia look tired now, they’re giving it their all to keep Mexico at bay.
DISALLOWED! Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico
87 mins: Argentina are absolutely hammering Poland in the other game.
Oh close! Mexico play a straight ball through the Saudi Arabian high line and Antuna gets to the ball loose ball before goalkeeper Al Owais.
He dinks the ball into the back of the net but gets flagged offside! Mexico thought they had their goal!
Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico
83 mins: Lozano makes a dummy run to roll the ball into a more favourable area for Chavez who then shoots and has his effort blocked by Sharahili.
Saudi Arabia are all over the place at the minute. Mexico are determined to score again.
Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico
81 mins: Free kick to Mexico right on the edge of the penalty area as Lozano is brought down having broken through the lines. Time is ticking away and Mexico need a goal.
Poland have picked up a yellow card against Argentina so that stands at five for them, seven for Mexico. A goal is still the best bet.
Luis Chavez is going to shoot again.
Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico
78 mins: Chance! Lozano gets played in behind on the left and carries the ball into the box before pulling it back to Antuna. He pokes the ball towards goal but Abdullah Madu drops in front of it and makes the block!