Mexico missed out on securing a Round of 16 berth despite their 2-1 triumph over Saudi Arabia as Robert Lewandowski’s Poland progressed despite losing 2-0 to Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the final round of Group C matches of the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
Mexico ended the group play tied with Poland on four points after defeating Saudi Arabia 2-1, however, they were denied a spot in Qatar’s knockout stages due to an inferior goal difference.
Henry Martin and Luis Chavez’s goals in the second half took Mexico to the win, but Salem Al-Dawsari’s late goal dropped them to third place behind Poland.
Gerardo Martino’s side frantically seeks a third goal to improve their goal deficit as they faced elimination under FIFA fair play regulations.
In the meantime, in another Group C match, Messi had a penalty saved but Argentina still advanced to the last 16 as Alexis Mac Allister’s 46th-minute goal settled Argentina’s nerves after a tense first half, before Julian Alvarez doubled their lead just over 20 minutes later.
Despite a 0-2 defeat, Poland also proceeded into the knockouts as runners-up, but only on the strength of goal difference because Mexico could only defeat Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the other group match.
