Late Saudi Arabia goal dumps Mexico out of World Cup despite win and Poland defeat

Mexico won 2-1 on the night in their final match of the group stages, but will not advance to the Round of 16 due to late scenes at the Lusail Stadium.

Advertisement

Argentina beat Poland 2-0 and at one point the scores meant that Poland and Mexico were level on goal difference, with their disciplinary records coming into play.

Advertisement

FIFA rules stated that Mexico's seven yellow cards would see them crash out as Poland only had five.

However, their fate was sealed in stoppage time as Salem Al Dawsari scored what would prove to be a consolation goal for Saudi Arabia, but enough to send their opponents out of the World Cup.

Mexico were the better side throughout the match and battled hard to earn their two goals, but they would ultimately prove to not be enough to take them through.

Henry Martin's strike in the opening moments of the second half was their first goal of the tournament, with the forward tapping in from close range.

Advertisement

Just five minutes later they doubled their lead as Luis Chavez fired in a superb free-kick from long range in what is arguably the goal of the tournament so far.

Advertisement

Mexico continued to surge forward and find a third goal that would send them through for the eighth successive tournament and Uriel Antuna thought he had scored but was offside.

Despite their efforts, Mexico's fate in Qatar was finally sealed when Al Dawsari finished past Guillermo Ochoa, with the goal therefore seeing them exit the competition through goal difference as opposed to yellow cards.

Advertisement

Poland will be disappointed with their loss, but ultimately relieved to have progressed to the knockout stages after a dramatic final 20 minutes across both games.

They will now face France in their next match, with Argentina coming up against Australia as Mexico and Saudi Arabia prepare to head home following their exits.