Mexico suffer agony as they're eliminated from World Cup in chaotic ending

Mexico have been eliminated from the World Cup in heartbreaking fashion, losing out to Group C rivals Poland despite a 2-1 win over Saudi Aarbia.

With points, goal difference and goals scored all level between the pair, Mexico had been set to exit the tournament on their disciplinary record having picked up seven yellow cards to Poland's five across the group stages

But as they pressed for a third goal to make that disciplinary record immaterial, Saudi forward Salem Al-Dawsari strode through their back line to pull a goal back in the 95th minute.

That put Mexico's goal difference at -1, ensuring that Poland pipped them to second with theirs on zero.

Mexico came into the match at the Lusail Stadium having failed to score in either of their previous two matches at the World Cup, and with the words of manager Gerardo Martino ringing in their ears.

The former Barcelona and Argentina boss had openly challenged his attackers to improve in front of goal at his pre-match press conference, but forward Alexis Vega couldn't take a presentable early chance when he fired straight at Mohammed Al Owais.

Mexico dominated possession and looked the more threatening in the first half, but the Saudis were giving as good as got until a burst of two goals in five minutes from the Mexicans in the second period.

First Henry Martin turned in a corner from close range to spark the sizeable contingent of Mexico fans into life with their first in 238 minutes of action at this World Cup.

Five minutes later they had a second when Luis Chavez brilliantly fired in a free-kick from distance, setting the game up for a grandstand finish.

Mexico's were given even greater motivation by news from the group's other game.

Lionel Messi had seen a first half penalty saved by Wojciech Szczesny at Stadium 974, but Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister fired the South Americans ahead shortly after half-time.

Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez added a second midway through the second half, given Mexico even more encouragement to chase the goal that would send them through.

But after having two goals disallowed for offside and a number of spurious penalty appeals turned down by English referee Michael Oliver, Martino's side conceded late to Al-Dawsari as they chased the game.

The results mean that Argentina will face Australia in the round of 16 on Saturday, with Poland taking on France on Sunday.