Hearts are breaking in Mexico City tonight after CONCACAF outfit Mexico failed to overturn their inferior goal differential and secure passage into the round of sixteen of the 2022 World Cup after an upsetting 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia at Lusail Iconic Stadium.
A quick-strike flurry of goals from Henry Martín and Luis Chávez just seven minutes after the half-time interval was not enough to seal the dramatic reversal of fortunes that millions were hoping for tonight before the pair of goals were ultimately canceled out in the end by a late consolation finish from Salem Aldawsari.
Mexico hearts broken.
They beat #KSA 2-1, but bow out of the #FIFAWorldCup on goal difference.
It’s the first time #MEX have failed to make it out of the group stage since 1978. pic.twitter.com/KLDaYl5V8t
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) November 30, 2022
Argentina played their part in a 2-0 win over Poland – who have now ultimately qualified for the next round – during the other crunch Group C clash, but Mexico’s inability to fire in front of goal from earlier on proved a decisive talking point on the night after El Tri struggled in front of goal all tournament and came into proceedings without a single goal to their name.
Their failure to secure a birth in the knockout stage this winter comes as the first time they have not progressed out of group play since 1978. After failing to qualify for the 1982 World Cup, Mexico returned as host nation for the second time in 1986 and reached the quarterfinals in front of home support; the joint-deepest run they have ever made at a World Cup, matching their efforts in 1970.
After being banned from the competition in 1990, Mexico began a run of seven consecutive tournaments starting in 1994 that saw them get out of group play and into the knockout stage; a run that has now come to an end.
Serious questions about the next steps for the Mexican Football Federation as it comes to grips with the progress shown by both Canada and the United States during qualifying and what is to come as the trio of nations prepare to host the tournament in 2026.
📰 Table Of Contents
Saudi Arabia Player Ratings
- Mohammed Alowais (GK): 7.5
- Sultan Alghannam (RB): 6
- Abdulelah Alamri (CB): 6
- Hassan Altambakti (CB): 6
- Ali Albulayhi (LB): 6.5
- Saud Abdulhamid (DM): 6
- Ali Alhassan (CM): 6.5
- Mohammed Kanno (CM): 6.5
- Feras Albrikan (RW): 6
- Salem Aldawsari (LW): 6.5
- Saleh Alshehri (CF): 6
- Riyadh Sharahili (Sub): 6
- Abdullah Madu (Sub): 6.5
- Abdulrahman Al Obud (Sub): 6
- Hattan Bahbri (Sub): 6
Mexico Player Ratings
- Guillermo Ochoa (GK): 7
- Jorge Sánchez (RB): 6.5
- Héctor Moreno (CB): 6.5
- César Montes (CB): 7.5
- Jesús Gallardo (LB): 7
- Edson Álvarez (DM): 7.5
- Luis Chávez (CM): 8.5
- Orbelín Pineda (CM): 7
- Hirving Lozano (RW): 7.5
- Alexis Vega (LW): 6
- Henry Martín (CF): 7.5
- Uriel Antuna (Sub): 6.5
- Carlos Rodríguez (Sub): 6
- Raúl Jiménez (Sub): 6
- Rogelio Funes Mori (Sub): 6
- Kevin Álvarez (Sub): 6
Social Media
Argentina’s win against Mexico was all about Lionel Messi, but if they are going to progress out of the group stage they need to pull their weight.
Their second goal against #MEX was a wonderful strike from Enzo Fernandez, who could be the key to #ARG‘s progression tonight… pic.twitter.com/K3WSTzaBlX
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) November 30, 2022
👥 #MEX 👥
Here are tonight’s starters for 🇸🇦🆚🇲🇽. 😤💚#Qatar2022 | #MéxicoDeMiVida pic.twitter.com/u1UOcbmvAx
— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) November 30, 2022
📋⎪Line-up
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia 🆚 Mexico 🇲🇽
#GreenFalcons pic.twitter.com/Prf7USrKcS— Saudi National Team (@SaudiNT_EN) November 30, 2022
Mexico have reached the knockout round of every #FIFAWorldCup they’ve competed in since 1978.
They’ve also never failed to score a goal.
They’re in danger of making history for the wrong reasons tonight…@FelipeCar on how #MEX can turn their campaign around
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) November 30, 2022
What exactly needs to happen for Mexico to advance? #MEX
We got you covered.
Drop us your questions for ‘Check The Mentions’ #FutbolAmericas
Anything and everything #MEX #USA #CAN #CRC #FIFAWorldcup #Qatar2022 @ESPNPlus @SebiSalazarFUT #ElTriEng pic.twitter.com/jDgIj1fv0v
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) November 30, 2022
HENRY MARTIN GIVES MEXICO THE LEAD 🔥
That flick though 🤤
📱💻 Watch live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds ⤵️#BBCFootball #BBCWorldCup
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 30, 2022
Golazo Luis Chavez! Incredible free-kick from distance. Mexico are now up 2-0 over Saudi Arabia and one step closer to a possible spot in the knockout round! #ElTriEng #ElTri
— Cesar Hernandez (@cesarhfutbol) November 30, 2022
Poland still (at this moment) going through due to better fair play numbers (4 yellows to 7 for Mexico.) But still 20 mins plus stoppage time left.
— Derek Rae (@RaeComm) November 30, 2022
A red card for Poland puts Mexico into the Round of 16. Two more yellow cards and WE GET A DRAWING OF THE LOTS https://t.co/v25NFp3LA1
— Roberto Rojas (@RobertoRojas97) November 30, 2022
I just want to see a coin toss decide a game in my lifetime. Make it happen Poland or Mexico!#FIFAWorldCup
— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) November 30, 2022
🇲🇽💔 pic.twitter.com/0ZhGHBUNxw
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 30, 2022
You absolutely could not send me back home from a World Cup, just because my team had more yellow cards. My team would be in the tunnel in the round of 16 lining up right next to the two other teams.
— Miriti Murungi (@NutmegRadio) November 30, 2022
