Green Falcons end their World Cup journey with defeat by Mexico 1-2

Green Falcons lost to Mexico 1-2 in the third round of group stage matches of the FIFA World Cup 2022 at Lusail Stadium in Doha on Wednesday night, but they were the story of the first match day when they stunned superstar Lionel Messi and Argentina with a 2–1 historic win. The side lost to Poland and Mexico to finish last in the group. Thus, failing to materialize their 28-year-long dream to enter the knockout round of 16.

The Saudi squad — despite being a football powerhouse in the Arab World — have qualified for the round of 16 only once, on their debut at the tournament in 1994 out of their six participations in the World Cup. Mexico’s streak of seven straight knockout stage appearances at the World Cup came to an end Wednesday night on goal differential, despite their victory over Saudi Arabia. Poland progressed to the knockout round of 16 along with Argentina in Group C though they lost to the latter 2-0 in the third round of matches held at Stadium 974 on Wednesday.

Mexico entered the match after a scoreless draw against Poland and a 2–0 loss to Argentina, and while their 2–1 win put them level on four points with Poland in second place in Group C, Poland had a goal differential of 0 while Mexico’s was one goal back at –1. The Mexico team will head back home as the first Mexican team since 1978 to not qualify for the knockouts.

The Saudi – Mexico game was goalless at half time and Saudi Arabia held on to hopes of progressing in the tournament. Mexico scored two goals within five minutes at the start of the second half of the match. Henry Martin scored for Mexico in the 47th minute of the match and it was followed by a stunning free kick by Luis Chavez minutes later. Salem Al-Dawsari scored deep into injury time for Saudi, but it was little more than a consolation and national pride.

The atmosphere was electric in the Lusail Iconic Stadium. Every attack, chance, tackle, and opportunity for the Green Falcons roared by thousands of supporters. In-form goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais denied Mexico a goal in the first half but was unable to stop Henry Martin from scoring a corner kick three minutes after the half time. Chavez doubled the score, frustrating the fans of the Saudi national team.

Mexico ranked third with four points, one goal behind second-placed Poland, who lost 2-0 to group leaders Argentina with six points. Argentina and Poland qualified together, while Saudi Arabia finished fourth with 3 points.

Despite finishing bottom of the group, Saudi Arabia’s performances, grit, determination, and sporting quality will have won over fans and pundits the world over. Rated 51st in the World by FIFA, qualification from a group including Poland (26th) and Mexico (13th) was always going to be difficult. Beating 3rd-ranked Argentina offered a glimmer of hope, but subsequent defeats to Mexico and Poland brought the dream to an expected end.