Saudi Arabia’s Ali Al Bulayhi, Abdullah Otayf, Mohamed Kanno and Hatan Bahbri during training. Reuters
Doha: Saudi Arabia are blowing hot and cold in this World Cup.
The Green Falcons caused the first upset at Qatar 2022 by beating Argentina 2-1 – that opened Group C wide open – but failed to maintain the same intensity in their next match, surrendering 2-0 to Poland. Today they have a chance to set the record straight – a win over Mexico at Lusail Stadium will ensure Saudi Arabia’s place in Round of 16.
This is Saudi Arabia’s sixth appearance at the world showpiece event and they are yet to match the achievements of their World Cup debut in 1994, when they reached the last 16.
In Group C Poland lead on four points, one ahead of Argentina and Saudi Arabia, while Mexico are on one point.
A draw against Mexico would mean Saudi Arabia need Poland to beat Argentina in the other fixture today.
Saudi Arabia and Mexico have faced each other five times since their first meeting in January 1995. Mexico won four of those games, including the last one in 1999, while one game ended in a draw.
“No one around the world thought that we could play with this level. Yes, in Saudi Arabia we know the players well, but they are unknown to the fans around the world,” Saudi coach Herve Renard said after the Poland game.
“We are still alive.”
Renard also emphasised the importance of fan support at matches in Qatar.
“We need the fans to make history. I want a green stadium again, maybe we will play in the white jersey, but that isn’t important, we want the support from the fans,” he added.
Renard’s men will be without injured defender Mohammed Al Breik for today’s match.
Mexico come into today’s game needing a win to keep their hopes of reaching the knockouts, a round they reached in each of the previous seven World Cups.
To win they need to score goals and that’s one area they have been found wanting in Qatar. Mexico are yet to open their goal account.
The Tricolor are at the bottom of their group with one point after a 0-0 draw with Poland and a 2-0 defeat by Argentina.
The lack of goals is a “serious” issue Mexico’s coach Gerardo Martino said ahead of the must-win Saudi clash.
“Right now, this is serious because we need to score in the game tomorrow [today],” Martino said.
“What happened during the last year was due to different reasons as we had our attacking players facing physical issues. Some of them are in good condition at the World Cup, but this is not just about attackers. We all share our responsibilities.
The coach said the whole team needs to contribute for a win. “It is up to the whole team not just certain positions.”
“As long as there are chances, we always need to try,” the Argentine coach said.
“Saudi Arabia need to win the match and score goals, and so do we.”
Midfielder Andres Guardado said the players still believe they have a chance of qualifying.
“When you get a blow, you need to digest it and turn the page quickly,” Guardado said.
“We have a big chance to forget the defeat against Argentina with a big game against Saudi Arabia. We believe in our chances and nobody is saying it is impossible.”
When: Today at 10:00pm
Where: Lusail Stadium. Capacity: 88,966
Key stats:
* Mexico have failed to score in their last four World Cup matches.
* Saudi Arabia are looking to match or surpass the achievements of their World Cup debut in 1994, when the Gulf state advanced to the last 16.
* The last time Mexico failed to progress from the group stage was in 1982.
* Mexico must win to have any chance of staying in the competition, and they will be sure to go through if Poland beat Argentina in the other Group C match.
* Saudi Arabia will reach the last 16 if they win.
* A draw will take the Saudis to the knockout round if Poland defeat Argentina, but if both matches are tied, they will go out as the Copa America champions have a better goal difference.
Previous meetings:
Saudi Arabia and Mexico have faced each other five times since their first meeting in January 1995. Mexico won four of those games, including the last one in 1999, while one game ended in a draw.
