Mexico failed to advance to the round of 16 despite defeating Saudi Arabia 2-1 in its final Group C match. Despite being tied for second in points in the group with Poland, "El Tri" was eliminated from the Qatar World Cup on goal difference.
The Mexican national team had a clear goal from the first minute of the match: earn victory with pride and impetus and demonstrate the quality of its side.
The first half was a clear reflection of Gerardo "Tata" Martino's tactical approach: high pressure to force turnovers and manufacture chances. However, the game went into halftime tied 0-0. Alexis Vega had the best chance of the first half early in the match.
😱 The one Alexis Vega had!
💪 #MEX is off to a strong start!#GolMundial pic.twitter.com/7d6vEvaFRB
- Gol Mundial (@Gol) November 30, 2022
Mexico was insistent to score coming out of the locker room in the second half. The first goal came 120 seconds after the kickoff. Henry Martin (1-0) headed in Hirving Lozano corner kick after it was deflected by Cesar Montes.
The Mexican team knew that Poland was losing and that, with two more goals, they were in the round of 16. The second goal came in the 53rd minute. Luis Chavez (2-0) scored with a spectacular direct free kick that went into the corner of the Saudi Arabian goal, a master class goal from the Mexican midfielder who was the best player of the match. The goal is a surefire candidate for the goal of the tournament so far.
It's one of the GOALS of the World Cup! 💥
🎯 Chávez put it in the corner of the net
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- Gol Mundial (@Gol) November 30, 2022
The referee disallowed two "El Tri" goals for offside, and the Saudi keeper made two outstanding saves. Needing one more goal to advance, the Mexicans' heavy attack backfired, allowing Al Dawsari (2-1) to score a stoppage time goal on the counterattack.
It was a difficult result for the Mexican team that was superior to its opponent and deserved to qualify for the next round.
Argentina and Poland qualify
"La Albiceleste" won 2-0 against Poland to qualify for the next round of the World Cup. Despite its defeat, Poland will still advance as well.
Argentina showed its superiority throughout the game. The side is made up of world-class players and barely struggled against their opponents. Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny saved a penalty from Leo Messi shortly before the end of the first half.
HE IS THE GOALKEEPER OF THE WORLD CUP!!! 🔥
💣 Szczęsny stops another penalty in the group stage - this time to Leo Messi!
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- Gol Mundial (@Gol) November 30, 2022
The Argentinians finally broke open the scoring with an Alexis Mac Allister (1-0) goal a few minutes into the second half. The second goal was scored by Julián Álvarez (2-0) with a strike that evaded two Polish defenders and went right into the upper corner of the Polish goal.
🕸️ The Spider cleaning the cobwebs out of the squadron!
🔥 Julián Álvarez and #ARG already glimpse the round of 16 #GolMundial pic.twitter.com/Flqy5RNTcs
- Gol Mundial (@Gol) November 30, 2022
Argentina will face Australia, and Poland will face France in the round of 16.
With these two results, Group C concludes as follows: Argentina (6 points), Poland (4), Mexico (4) and Saudi Arabia (3).
Argentina 🇦🇷 and Poland 🇵🇱 qualified for the round of 16 of the #FIFAWorldCup.
- FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@fifaworldcup_en) November 30, 2022
