Mexico was the team with the worst starting point before the last round in Group C on Wednesday, and the team’s group promotion would not be decided without a proper match. Argentina led for a long time 1–0 in their match against Poland, and that meant that Mexico had to win by three goals or more to progress. Then Argentina went into a two-goal lead, after Mexico chased their third goal of the evening. Thus it was 2-2, and four points between Mexico and Poland. It meant that the whole thing would be decided on the number of yellow cards, before Saudi Arabia reduced in extra time. – They play their best game in the WC, but unfortunately it is not enough. The players are devastated, says TV 2’s expert Yaw Ihle Amankwah. BROKEN: Mexico players hang their heads after the promotion failed. Photo: KAI PFAFFENBACH / Reuters Free-kick pearl It was a goal-poor first half, despite Mexico exploiting Saudi Arabia’s high defensive line and creating two big chances that could have quickly given a two-goal lead. It is unknown what national team manager Gerardo Martino said during the break, because the team only took three minutes to take the lead after the break. That goal was set up by Henry Martín after a corner, after César Montes finished with a finesse from a flick. The big gem, however, was Luis Chávez, when Mexico received a free kick from distance. – This is by far the best free kick in the World Cup so far, said Amankwah after Chavez scored a beautiful gem, and his first goal in the World Cup. Dramatic Chávez really got to show off his free-kick foot in this match. Later in the half, he got the chance again, turned the opposite corner, and was dangerously close to a replay. Keeper Al-Owais had to go out at full stretch to get his fingers on the ball. – It’s completely crazy. What an addition he has, Amankwah followed up. When it was just under 12 minutes of normal time, the situation was bordering on chaotic. Mexico was close to scoring its third goal of the evening, but it was not to be this time either. Here, Mexico could score on an open goal. Three minutes before regular time, it was the offside flag that was supposed to make the World Cup promotion burst for Mexico. Uriel Antuna put the ball in the goal, but the jubilation did not last long. – We don’t need technology to see that the offside was clear, says Amankwah. Late scoring secures Poland’s promotion Two minutes before the end, it was Saudi Arabia who had to decide who went through to the round of 16. A goal by Saudi Arabia’s Salem-Al-Dawsari meant that Poland did not progress after fair play, i.e. the story was short, but on goal difference. In the match between Poland and Argentina, Poland lost, and they really had to bite their nails when the match between Mexico and Saudi Arabia dragged on. Lionel Messi probably breathed a sigh of relief when he saw his teammates secure a 2-0 victory. He himself missed a chance from the penalty spot, but Alexis MacAllister and then Julian Alvarez were to save Argentina. See the highlights between Argentina and Poland here.
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Mexico out of the WC after intense drama – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
