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"There are no words for it"

Bitterly disappointed, the Mexicans fell onto the lawn of the imposing World Cup final stadium.

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"There are no words for it"

Bitterly disappointed, the Mexicans fell onto the lawn of the imposing World Cup final stadium. In the nerve-wracking final of Group C, the Latin Americans were missing a goal to reach the round of 16 – the 2-1 (0-0) win against Saudi Arabia, which was also eliminated, wasn't enough. For the first time since 1978, El Tri failed again in the group phase, after their opening win against Argentina, the Saudis missed the sensation that was even possible before the game at the first World Cup in the Arab world.

Henry Martín (48th minute) and Luis Chávez (52nd) shot Mexico to a deserved first success in Qatar in front of 84,985 spectators. Salem Mohammed Al-Dausari ended all hopes late for the Mexicans (90.5) who had missed further good chances. In the meantime, Mexico was only behind Poland because of the fair play rating (three yellow cards more than the competitor), who were allowed to celebrate despite the defeat in the parallel game.

"We didn't manage to fight for victory," said Saudi Arabia coach Hervé Renard. "This is football. We were never in the game. Mexico played a very good game, with high intensity. The result doesn't reflect the game."

Both fan groups provided loud support in the arena north of the capital Doha. According to estimates, tens of thousands of Mexicans made the trip to Qatar, while the trip to the neighboring country was significantly shorter for the Saudi fans.

After two goalless games, the Mexicans had their eyes on the impending end and started furiously. Chávez (2nd) and Alexis Vega (3rd) missed big chances for an early lead. After the disappointing 2-0 draw against Argentina, coach Gerardo Martino called center forward Martín and attacking player Orbelín Pineda into the starting line-up - which paid off with significantly more offensive power.

With a bit of luck, the Saudis survived the initial urge phase of the Latin Americans and for their part became dangerous for the first time through a free kick from Mohamed Kanno (13th). The midfielder, one of the key players in Frenchman Hervé Renard's team, was fit for the game in time. But that was it initially with offensive advances by the Saudis. Only in the sixth minute of added time in the first half did they become a threat again when Ali Al-Hassan headed the ball.

Mexico played, but El Tri often acted too unfocused in front of the opposing goal. A deflected shot by Chávez was the best chance as the game progressed (41'). The Saudis concentrated on defending and often stopped the Mexicans with fouls. An intense duel with many duels developed.

The Mexicans were then rewarded for their offensive efforts immediately after half-time. Striker Martín scored from close range from a corner and Chávez doubled up from a direct free-kick. With that, the eyes of the Mexicans went to the parallel game in Group C between Poland and Argentina. To increase the chances of progressing, El Tri needed one more goal - and accordingly played further forward.

A goal by Hirving Lozano was ruled out due to an offside position (56'). Almost nothing came from the Saudis offensively. Mexico ran, but missed the best chance of the third goal. Martín (70') and Chávez (73') missed the target. Chávez was again interrupted at the last second after a counterattack in front of the empty goal (78th). Then came the final low blow.

Mexico defender Edson Álvarez expressed his disappointment: "It's a hard blow, there are no words for it. The team wanted it from the first minute, we had a lot of chances and chances to score goals. Unfortunately we couldn't use it, of course it leaves a very bitter taste."

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