Saudi Arabia 1-2 Mexico: Tata Martino's time in charge of El Tri ends with an early World Cup exit despite victory... as both sides head home and Poland go through on goal difference
- Mexico earned their first win of the World Cup by beating Saudi Arabia 2-1
- Henry Martin tapped in and Luis Chaves scored a stunning free kick for 2-0 lead
- Salem Al Dawsari guided the ball past Guillermo Ochoa in the 95th minute
- However, the victory was not enough to see El Tri progress to the knockouts
- Mexico crashed out at group stage for first time in 44 years on goal difference
- Argentina beat Poland 2-0 but both sides progressed to the knockout stage
- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
Luis Chavez swerved a searing free kick into the top corner of Saudi Arabia's net and Gerardo Martino blew out his cheeks rans his fingers through his grey hair.
The Mexico boss has witnessed plenty during a life in football but, 10 days on from his 60th birthday in Qatar, last month, here was a gesture to hint that Martino might not be able to stand much more of this.
Having failed to score for two-and-a-half Group C games, his team found two goals in five minutes, early in the second half.
![Mexico agonizingly bowed out of the World Cup, despite a 2-1 win against Saudi Arabia](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/30/21/65104827-11484965-image-a-30_1669843172468.jpg)
Mexico agonizingly bowed out of the World Cup, despite a 2-1 win against Saudi Arabia
![Henry Martin (center) tapped in to open the scoring just three minutes into the second half](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/30/21/65104849-11484965-image-a-29_1669843168618.jpg)
Henry Martin (center) tapped in to open the scoring just three minutes into the second half
![Luis Chavez scored a jaw-dropping free kick to double El Tri's lead four minutes later](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/30/21/65104869-11484965-image-a-32_1669843181299.jpg)
Luis Chavez scored a jaw-dropping free kick to double El Tri's lead four minutes later
![Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais could not save Chavez's curling effort](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/30/21/65104917-11484965-image-a-31_1669843175453.jpg)
Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais could not save Chavez's curling effort
The first tapped in from a corner by Henry Martin. The second the Chavez screamer and, suddenly, they could detect a place in the last 16, something that had seemed nothing more than an outrageous long shot at the start of the night.
Mexico would require at least one more but there was more than half an hour to play and, across Doha, Martino's native Argentina were helping by beating Poland 2-0.
Hope coursed through thousands of Mexicans inside the Lusail Stadium's sea of green and through millions around the world as their team poured forward with nothing to lose and the Saudi team creaked under the pressure.
![Hirving Lozano burst clear to beat the goalkeeper and found the back of the net](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/30/21/65105721-11484965-image-a-34_1669844758202.jpg)
Hirving Lozano burst clear to beat the goalkeeper and found the back of the net
![Lozano thought he had found Mexico's coveted third but it was ruled off for offside](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/30/21/65105711-11484965-image-a-40_1669845144597.jpg)
Lozano thought he had found Mexico's coveted third but it was ruled off for offside
Hirving Lozano thought he had scored a third only to find he was offside. Later, sub Uriel Antuna found the net, too, and was sliding away on his knees before noticing the flag. Both correct decisions by Premier League referee Michael Oliver and his team of officials.
The Saudi goal was under siege and goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Owais warmed to his role in the drama, throwing himself around, making saves and intercepting crosses.
His defenders did all they could to protect him and Oliver stood firm under increasing desperate attempts to convince him to point to the penalty spot.
![In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Salem Al-Dawsari converted the goal to end the fightback](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/30/21/65105723-11484965-image-a-36_1669844788902.jpg)
In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Salem Al-Dawsari converted the goal to end the fightback
Poised like this, one more goal would have swung Mexico past Poland into the runners-up spot in Group C. Another for Argentina would have locked Poland and Mexico together and they would be counting yellow cards to see who would go through on the fair play ruling.
This would not have ended well for Mexico either. They needed to score the third. Martin volleyed over the best of the remaining chances from six yards and Chavez unleased another fizzing free-kick, this time saved.
Martino's team had 27 attempts in total, 10 of them on target, before, in the fifth minute of stoppage time, Saudi Arabia broke out and Salem Al-Dawsari played a one-two and scored to puncture the hope.
It had been a gallant 45 minutes but too little too late for Mexico. They had failed to climb out of a group stage in a World Cup finals for the first time since 1978.
'I am the man responsible for this frustration which is a source of great sadness,' said Martino, whose contract expired with the final whistle and will leave the job. 'I assume all responsibility for this huge failure.
![Owais sped off his line to push away a dangerous header from Martin early on](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/30/21/65105773-11484965-image-a-37_1669844859990.jpg)
Owais sped off his line to push away a dangerous header from Martin early on
![Orbelin Pineda looked to have opened the scoring with a header but it ricocheted off defender](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/30/21/65105789-11484965-image-a-38_1669844888976.jpg)
Orbelin Pineda looked to have opened the scoring with a header but it ricocheted off defender
![Mohamed Kanno went close with a free-kick, curled over the defensive wall but just too high](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/30/21/65105947-11484965-image-a-39_1669845111825.jpg)
Mohamed Kanno went close with a free-kick, curled over the defensive wall but just too high
'Today, we overcome the opponents, created chances and could've scored as many goals as needed but we failed.'
For Saudi Arabia, it had been the opposite story. One of too much too soon. They also bow out having lit up the first week of the tournament with a spectacular victory over Argentina. By the end of last night, they were out on their feet. Exhausted and overrun.
'We did our best,' said Saudi boss Herve Renard, who started without three injured players and one suspended and lost two more to injuries by half-time. 'Today was difficult for us but we don't have to forget what we did together.
'I told my players: 'Congratulations for your World Cup but we did not deserve to win this game'. We were missing key players and we knew Mexico would start very fast. Thank you to our goalkeeper. The difference should be more than one goal.'
Argentina's win against Poland meant only a victory would be enough for Saudi Arabia to progress and that never seemed to be on the cards. Mexico came out firing from the start.
Only their erratic finishing and the saves of Owais kept them out until the 47th minute when Cesar Montes flicked on a corner at the near post and Martin reacted to turn it into the net from close range.
Then Chavez curled in his free-kick and anything seemed possible in a frenzy of breathless entertainment but, ultimately, it came to count for nothing for either side.
Relive all the action from Mexico's dramatic, and agonizing, 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia in Group C with Sportsmail's live blog...
What a game! What a second half!
After enter the game rock bottom of the group, Mexico had the last 16 in its sights for 40 minutes but ultimately their desperate chasing wasn't enough.
Tata Martino's side did all they could. They did their part, got the win but Argentina simply couldn't do them a favor and find a third.
Ultimately, Saudi Arabia's last-gasp goal sees both sides eliminated with Mexico agonizingly making its first group-stage exit in 44 years on goal difference.
Saudi Arabia 1-2 Mexico
Poland 0-2 Argentina
Argentina and Poland are through to the last-16
There's a goal! But it's not the one Mexico want...
Saudi Arabia fly up the pitch after Mexico commit men forward. Al Dawsari plays a one-two to get into the penalty area and then guides a lovely finish past Ochoa.
Well, that's that then. So much for a thrilling finish. Poland can breathe easy.
Then again, two goals in 60 seconds anyone?
Lozano pulls the trigger once more but balloons that effort way over the bar.
THERE'S NO TIME FOR THAT!
It's fulltime in the Poland vs Argentina game and it's finished 2-0. Four minutes for Mexico to find the deicer.
There will be an additional seven minutes here... you can cut the tension with a knife. Theatrics were promised, have they not delivered?
Mexico have the ball in the net! Substitute Uriel Antuna looks to have handed Mexico the decisive goal but it's once again chalked off! Antuna just makes his run too early.
The Poland v Argentina game is slightly ahead, it's headed for six minutes added time. It could be that that game warps up before this one and Mexico are left with minutes knowing they must find a decisive goal...
Time is ticking, under ten minutes of normal time left and you can practically smell the desperation.
But Mexico has another chance with a free kick right on the edge of the penalty area as Lozano is brought down having broken through the lines.
Lozano touches it left to Chavez and Saudi Arabia’s defenders spring from the wall and make the block. They try a rare counter-attack that comes to nothing.
What a waste!!
Raul Jimenez is on the field, can he be the striker Mexico needs? He replaces goalscorer Henry Martin, who has been phenomenal.
Pineda also makes way for Carlos Alberto Rodriguez.
Mexico are still knocking but they still can't find the third!
Mexico sweep the ball over to the left side of the pitch where Martin brings it under control before laying the ball off to Orbelin Pineda.
Pineda rolls the ball onto his right foot and guides it towards goal. Al Owais dives to his left to make the save but it bounces inches past the right post.
Another free-kick to Mexico and it’s in Chavez range. Can he do it again? No, instead he tells Lozano to have a crack.
It's another fantastic curling effort towards the top left corner but this time Al Owais is able to make the leaping block
That save is currently all that stands between Mexico and the last 16... everyone's heart rates still okay?
Mexico need another goal and they'll know it. No doubt the information from the other Group C game is being fed to them from the sidelines.
They ramp it up again. A free kick to Mexico comes into the box where it’s headed over to Martin. He meets it on the volley and drills a volley over the crossbar!
Agonizingly close!
Argentina have scored a second!
This means Poland and Mexico on level on, well, basically everything!
Points, goal difference, goals for, goals against... everything BUT fair play, which isn't going in Mexico's favor.
Poland currently have five yellow cards to Mexico's seven. As it stands Mexico are going out on yellow cards... that's right, yellow cards.
This seems like a good time to update you on how things are looking in Group C...
After the flurry of action both games have seen in the second half, Mexico are now level on points with Poland but their two goals are not enough to send them through... yet.
They need a third to pull level with Poland on goal difference and go ahead of them on goal scored.
Oh my word Mexico are really fired up now! They almost have a third as Lozano has the ball in the net but it's chalked off for offside.
It's looks like a good call, doubt VAR needs to get involved on that one.
What. A. Goal!
Mexico win a free-kick nearly 30 yards out and Chavez steps up to take it with an outrageous strike.
His whipped left footer curls away from Owais and into the top corner.
It's his first international goal and it's simply jaw-dropping from Chavez! Mexico have gone from zero goals at the World Cup to two in the space of four minutes.
Saudi Arabia look to respond immediately and win a free-kick not too far outside the box but Al Dawsari goes for a delicate chip to a teammate in white rather than a shot and it’s headed away.
GOOOOOOOOOOL!
A mexico corner early into the second half and Cesar Montes flicks it on to Henry Martin and the striker taps in from close range!!!!
El Tri have started the second half in the same fast fashion as the first and it finally pays off.
Mexico FINALLY have their first goal at the World Cup!
And we're back underway!
While we've been waiting for the second half to start, there's been a goal elsewhere in Group C.
Within a minute of the restart a ball was cut back into the box for Alexis Mac Allister, who superbly fired home first time. 1-0 to Argentina.
As it stands both Mexico and Saudi Arabia are heading home...
Mexico have looked lively and arguably should be heading into the break with the lead after a number of strong chances. Saudi Arabia gave them a scare at the end of the first half but the do-or-die crunch clash is still deadlocked.
Over in the other game, Poland are also managing to hold Messi and Co. As it stands Argentina and Poland are going through.
Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico HT
Poland 0-0 Argentina 0-0 HT
Saudi Arabia have their best chance of the game so far. Al Ghanam gets to the byline and pings in a cross and Al Hassan’s header isn’t too far wide of the far post.
It's a missed chance but it has reignited the Saudi support
Al Buraikan is played through on goal. He surges on goal but a Mexican defender puts in a crucial challenge.
Al Buraikan goes down calling for a foul but he basically didn't have the pace and Oliver plays on.
The World Cup has seen lengthy amounts of added time so far and this game is no exception. There will be an additional six minutes at the end of the first half.
Renard has looked flustered on the sidelines at times and as the Saudi attack increasingly dries up, no doubt he'll be planning a heavy halftime talk.
Over in the other Group C game, Argentina have a penalty but Messi's effort from the spot is saved!
Remember, Mexico need Poland to beat Argentina to help their chances of getting through... but first they need to win their own!
Renard is forced into an early change as Al Bulayhi goes off injured.
Looks like he might have picked it up from the shove from Lozano, a hamstring problem perhaps?
Riyadh Sharahili comes on to replace him. The tempo has taken a bit of a bit, bit more stop-and-start now.
Lozano leaves a bit on Al Bulayhi as the ball runs out for a Saudi goal kick. The Saudi-biased crowd isn't happy with that one and there's some whistles and jeering but it's waved off by Oliver.
Al Shehri is shown a yellow card by Michael Oliver.
That's Saudi Arabia's NINTH of the tournament. They lead the most-bookings award... not that that's really a good thing.
How Mexico aren't ahead is anybody's guess!
El Tri have had had several chances now but the best comes as a brilliant cross from the right is met by Pineda.
Pineda gets his head to it with a diving header and it looks destined for the back of the net but Saudi Arabia manages to smother it three yards from the goal and it ricochets off a defenders hip and goes out.
The tempo had dipped a little after a fast start but it's ramped right back up again with yet another Mexican attack.
A quick counter-attack from Mexico sees Vega send the ball out to Gallardo on the left who then whips a cross over to the opposite wing where Sanchez collects.
he holds up the ball allowing time for more green shirts to stream into the box but his curled cross back into the box flies over the head of Henry Martin.
After it's headed out by the Saudi defence, it drops to Luis Chavez on the edge of the box. He connects with a volley but it’s straight at the goalkeeper.
Here's the first yellow card and it’s shown to Edson Alvarez for a late challenge, which has left Abdulhamid down and needing a bit of treatment.
He's fine and is back up, however. But that's an early card for Alavarez who will now have a long game of trying to be careful.
Free kick to Saudi Arabia just outside the box as Saud Abdulhamid is brought down.
It's in a very dangerous position but Mohamed Kanno curls it over the crossbar. It was a great opportunity for the Saudis to take control and smother the Mexicans' fast start... but it's wasted. On we go
End to end! Intense opening minutes to the game.
Another mexican attack causes problems as Jesus Gallardo whips in an awkward cross and Al Owais doesn’t know whether to stick or twist. But he eventually just gets enough to stop the move.
Now it's Saudi Arabia's turm to look dangerous. Kanno takes a crossfield ball on his instep and goes for goal from the right edge of the box. But it’s high and wide.
Key man Salem Al Dawsari goes up for the ball and lands on his back. He stays down and needs medical attention.
After a lively start to the game, looks concerning for Saudi Arabia. He gingerly gets up to applause from the crowd.
And again! The Mexicans are hungry for a goal and they're making it known early on here at the Lusail Stadium.
Saudi Arabia has its first shot too but Al Shehri’s weak volley is a dribbler.
Mexico hits them on the break and Vega is through on goal after surging forward. A golden chance for his team’s first goal of the tournament but the alert Al Owais dashes out and smothers the shot.
Mexico will have to be more urgent in front of goal compared to their two previous lacklustre performances and already la seleccion has its first attempt.
On the edge of the box and unmarked Chavez slide through a shot on goal but luckily for the Saudis it edges wide of the right post.
Peep peep! Michael Oliver blows his whistle and Mexico gets us underway!
Vamos!
The players are out on the field and line up ready to go!
Saudi Arabia's national anthem is sung by a very noisy Saudi-heavy crowd but the Mexican fans in the stands make sure to belt out their national anthem.
Here we go!
Here is your ten minute warning until we get underway!!
Mexico will kick off its final group game against Saudi Arabia in a do-or-die clash and my god the stakes are high.
Mexico fans have been trying to shake the curse of the fifth game for decades now but they're at risk of beginning a new one tonight...
Mexico have reached the knockout round of every World Cup they’ve competed in since 1978.
They’ve also never failed to score a goal.
They're in danger of making history for the wrong reasons tonight...
A claim on social media said that each member of the 26-man squad was to receive a Rolls Royce Phantom from crown prince Mohammed bin Salman after their 2-1 win over Argentina.
Coach Herve Renard has since shut down those rumors... but imagine what they would have received if they make it to the last 16?
If you're interested in also keeping up with all the action from the other game this afternoon our very own Dan Ripley is covering Poland vs Argentina as Group C comes down to the wire...
The flags and drums are out, the sombreros and wrestling masks are on and Lusail Stadium is ready for a thriller under the lights...
After Tunisia's shock 1-0 win against France earlier today, there are now just two teams left in the tournament without a goal - and Mexico is one of them.
But is that about to change?
The mexicans will be desperate to find the back of the net and leave Uruguay with the undesirable title of the sole goalless team.
Mexico: Ochoa, Sanchez, Montes, Moreno, Gallardo, Edson Alvarez, Chavez, Lozano, Pineda, Vega, Martin.
Subs: Talavera, Araujo, Vasquez, Arteaga, Romo, Rodriguez, Jimenez, Funes Mori, Cota, Gutierrez, Herrera, Guardado, Antuna, Alvarado, Kevin Alvarez.
Manager: Tata Martino
Those familiar with the English Premier League will recognise the referee tonight.
English referee Michael Oliver is in charge of Mexico's must-win clash against Saudi Arabia.
Oliver has been a FIFA listed referee for ten years and was promoted to the UEFA Elite Group of Referees in 2018.
So far in this tournament, Oliver has overseen Japan vs Costa Rica, which ended in a 0-1 loss for the Asian side, throwing Group E wide open.
Saudi Arabia: Al-Owais, Tambakti, Al-Amri, Al-Bulayhi, Al-Ghanam, Al-Hassan, Kanno, Abdulhamid, Al-Buraikan, Al-Shehri, Salem Al-Dawsari.
Subs: Madu, Otayf, Al-Naji, Al-Abed, Bahbri, Al-Aboud, Al-Aqidi, Nasser Al-Dawsari, Asiri, Sharahili, Al-Rubaie.
Manager: Herve Renard
While the crowd will be a sea of green, it will be the Mexicans who will don the color with Saudi Arabia wearing its white home strip.
In the other Group D game, 2018 champions France were shockingly beaten by Tunisia - their first loss of the tournament.
Antoine Griezmann saw a last-minute equalizer ruled out through VAR as the underdogs held on for a famous 1-0 victory... but still crashed out of the World Cup.
However, Didier Deschamps' men won't be too concerned by the result as they had already booked their spot in the last 16 after winning their first two games.
In the earlier games today, the Socceroos have beaten Denmark 1-0 to make it out of Group D and into the knockout stages.
It is only the second time Australia has made it to the last 16 and the first since the 2006 World Cup.
After Mathew Leckie's incredible goal sent them through, the Aussies will face the winner of Mexico and Saudi Arabia's Group C.
With Mexico facing its first group-stage exit in 44 years - save a miracle today- head coach Tata Martino will resign following the tournament, according to reports.
It is said the decision was made back in July, prior to the Word Cup kicking off.
For more, click BELOW.
There's still just under two and a half hours to go until kickoff but the fans are already arriving at the ground.
With sombreros, Dia de Muertos-inspired looks and Saudi Arabian flags worn as capes, the Lusail Stadium is going to be a sea of green tonight...
Mexico will return to the site of their devastating 2-0 defeat to Argentina as they face Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
The Lusail Stadium is 20km north of capital city Doha and has a capacity of 88,966, making it the biggest stadium in Qatar.
The Lusail Stadium is also ironically the site of Saudi Arabia's shock upset over Argentina.
It will play host to five more matches throughout the tournament, including the final on December 18.
Can Mexico banish the ghost of defeat or will Saudi Arabia find fortune again?
Mexico have failed to score a single goal so far this tournament and fans believe a certain 'little pea' would have bolstered their chances in front of goal.
Supporters of El Tri took to social media following defeat to Argentina to blast head coach Tata Martino for not calling Javier Martinez up to the squad.
It was Chicharito himself who scored Mexico's last World Cup goal back in 2018 against South Korea.
As frustration over Mexico's attack grows, fans claim Chicharito would have found the back of the net by now...
MORE BELOW.
Saudi Arabia and Mexico have played out five games against each other with the Mexicans maintaining a flawless record. Mexico has won four of their encounters and drawn one.
However, the two sides haven't met since 1999, when El Tri thrashed the Saudis 5-1 in the FIFA Confederations Cup.
Jan. 1995: Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico (FIFA Confederations Cup)
Oct. 1995: Mexico 2-1 Saudi Arabia (Friendly)
Dec. 1997: Saudi Arabia 0-5 Mexico (FIFA Confederations Cup)
Jun. 1998: Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico (Friendly)
Jul. 1999: Mexico 5-1 Saudi Arabia (FIFA Confederations Cup)
Saudi Arabia head coach Herve Renard has issued a bold rallying call to his players as he urged them to make history and warned if they fail to do so, they will be forgotten.
'For our players, it's a very good generation,' he said at a press conference Tuesday. 'But if they want the fans to remember them, they have to make history. Otherwise, everybody will forget in 20 or 30 years. Because the last time Saudi Arabia reached the second round it was 1994, 28 years ago.'
Lionel Messi found himself in trouble with Mexican boxing legend Canelo Alvarez following Argentina's win against Mexico.
Alvarez responded furiously to footage showing Messi seemingly kicking out at a stray Mexican jersey on the floor as they celebrated in the dressing room after their 2-0 victory.
But Andres Guardado has leapt to the defence of Messi after he was threatened by the boxing champion, saying the row was 'silly'.
MORE BELOW.
Saudi Arabia will once again be without Yasser Al-Shahrani who flew home after undergoing successful emergency surgery on his jaw.
The defender is said to have suffered a fractured jaw, broken facial bones and internal bleeding following a sickening collision with his own goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais in the Saudis' famous giant-slaying of Argentina.
Herve Renard expected to name a similar starting XI to those that played the Argentina and Poland games.
But there will definitely be a change in midfield as Abdulelah Al-Malki is suspended after picking up two yellow cards.
Nawaf Al-Abed is the most likely deputy should Herve go for a similar profile, though Riyad Sharahili would provide a more defensive skillset.
Saudi Arabia squad
Goalkeepers: Mohamed Al-Owais, Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Mohamed Al-Yami.
Defenders: Yasser Al-Shahrani, Ali Al-Bulaihi, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Abdullah Madu, Hassan Tambakti, Sultan Al-Ghanam, Mohammed Al-Breik, Saud Abdulhamid.
Midfielders: Salman Al-Faraj, Riyadh Sharahili, Ali Al-Hassan, Mohamed Kanno, Abdulelah Al-Malki, Sami Al-Najei, Abdullah Otayf, Nasser Al-Dawsari, Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, Salem Al-Dawsari, Hattan Bahebri.
Forwards: Nawaf Al-Abed, Haitham Asiri, Saleh Al-Shehri, Firas Al-Buraikan.
With everything on the line, Mexico cannot afford to name a weakened side for their final group game as they currently sit bottom of Group C.
Tata Martino could look to make changes up front after Hirving Lozano and Alexis Vega failed to have much impact in the defeat to Argentina but whether Raul Jimenez can be trusted to start amid his recent fitness issues remains to be seen.
Andres Guardado, who became the sixth men's player to feature at five World Cups, was substituted with an injury in the first half against Argentina.
The captain explained he suffered a 'knock' during the game that forced the early substitution, but assured his availability against Saudi Arabia.
'Physically I'm good. Unfortunately, I had a knock there against Argentina that wouldn't let me continue, but I'm doing very well and I'm available for Tata [Martino] tomorrow, said the midfielder on Tuesday.
Mexico squad
Goalkeepers: Guillermo Ochoa, Alfredo Talavera, Rodolfo Cota
Defenders: Hector Moreno, Jesus Gallardo, Nestor Araujo, Cesar Montes, Jorge Sanchez, Gerardo Arteaga, Kevin Alvarez, Johan Vasquez
Midfielders: Andres Guardado, Hector Herrera, Edson Alvarez, Orbelin Pineda, Uriel Antuna, Erick Gutierrez, Carlos Rodriguez, Roberto Alvarado, Luis Romo, Alexis Vega, Luis Chavez
Forwards: Raul Jimenez, Hirving Lozano Henry Martin, Rogelio Funes Mori
A reported 60,000 Saudi Arabia supporters have crossed the border for the crunch clash, leaving the Mexicans undoubtedly outnumbered.
With the odds already stacked against El Tri to make it out of the group, could this have an even bigger impact?
With everything on the line, former USA international Edu warned that the final matchday of Group C will be tough for El Tri.
'Mexico is in trouble,' he said on FOX Sports. 'I think this is going to be a tough match for them. They haven't scored a goal in the tournament thus far.'
For more click BELOW.
It's do or die for Mexico if they want to have any hope of making it out of the group... but it's not entirely in their hands.
Tata Martino's team sits rock bottom of Group C after drawing its first game against Poland and losing its second 2-0 to Argentina in Qatar.
El Tri must win to have any hope but a victory alone is not enough. It also needs Poland to beat Lionel Messi's Argentina.
Meanwhile, the Saudis know that a win against Mexico will see them progress for the first time since 1994.
Good morning - or afternoon, depending on where you are in the world - and welcome to Sportsmail's live blog for Mexico's crunch clash with Saudi Arabia at the World Cup.
It's a huge game for both sides, and the build-up starts here, with less than four hours to go until kick-off...
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