Mexico wins 2-1 over Saudi Arabia… Failure to progress to the round of 16

Mexico stopped progressing to the round of 16 seven times in a row
Saudi Arabia, the protagonist of Argentina’s surprise defeat, was also eliminated

[아시아경제 서믿음 기자] Mexico won against Saudi Arabia but failed to advance to the round of 16. As a result, Mexico’s record of seven consecutive advances to the round of 16, which began in 1994, ended.

On the 1st (Korea time), Mexico defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the third final match of Group C of the Qatar 2022 World Cup group stage held at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.

Mexico had a huge lead in the number of shots in the first half with 11 (3 effective shots)-4 (1 effective shot), but it was difficult to open the goal. Nevertheless, in the second minute of the second half, they finally managed to break through the defensive wall. Henry Martin (America) kicked the ball off Cesar Montes (Monterey) after the corner kick.

The extra goal was scored with a difference of 5 minutes. Luis Chavez’s (Pachuca) left-footed free kick from distance was sucked into the net, taking a trajectory that Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Muhammad Uwais (Al-Hilal) could not use his hands on.

After that, Mexico continued to attack in waves, but the game did not work well, with two goals canceled due to offside. In the 50th minute of the second half, Saudi Arabia’s Salim Dausari (Al-Hilal) scored a goal back, ultimately failing to advance to the round of 16.

Saudi Arabia, who caused the ‘Miracle of Lusail’ by beating Argentina 2-1 in the first match, were caught in succession by Poland (lost 0-2) and Mexico, and failed to maintain their momentum and finished 4th place (3 points).

Group D’s Australia advanced to the round of 16 that day, while Group E’s Japan and Group H’s Korea will decide their fate in the third and final match.

Correspondent This is Faith-reum faith@asiae.co.kr