Mexico's Streak of 7 Consecutive Round of 16 Appearances Ends
Saudi Arabia, the Giant Killer Against Argentina, Also Eliminated
[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] Mexico secured a victory against Saudi Arabia but failed to advance to the Round of 16. This ended Mexico's record of seven consecutive Round of 16 appearances since 1994.
On the 1st (Korean time) at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, the final third match of Group C in the 2022 Qatar World Cup group stage saw Mexico defeat Saudi Arabia 2-1.
Mexico dominated the first half in shots with 11 (3 on target) to 4 (1 on target) but struggled to break through the goal. However, in the 2nd minute of the second half, they finally succeeded in breaking the defensive wall. After a corner kick, C?sar Montes (Monterrey) passed the ball to Henry Mart?n (Am?rica), who scored in front of the goal.
The additional goal came five minutes later. Luis Ch?vez (Pachuca) curled a left-footed free kick from a distance, tracing a trajectory that Saudi Arabian goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais (Al Hilal) could not reach, and the ball was drawn into the net.
Mexico continued their relentless attack, but two goals were disallowed due to offside, and the game did not go smoothly. In the 50th minute of the second half, Saudi Arabia's Salim Dawasari (Al Hilal) scored a consolation goal, and Mexico ultimately failed to advance to the Round of 16.
Saudi Arabia, who caused the 'Miracle of Lusail' by defeating Argentina 2-1 in the first match, could not maintain momentum after consecutive losses to Poland (0-2) and Mexico, finishing 4th in the group with 3 points.
Australia from Group D advanced to the Round of 16 on the same day, while Japan from Group E and Korea from Group H will decide their fate in their final third matches.
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