Saudi Arabia Vs Mexico: Unglamourous, green-clad shootout for second spot

Hervé Renard’s surprise package Saudi Arabia can sneak into the Round of 16 if they beat Mexico at 7PM on Wednesday at the Lusail Stadium.

Their Central American opponents will also give themselves a chance of progression with a win, though they would need help from Group C’s other match kicking off at the same time. 

Both sides currently occupy the bottom two spots in the group, but it’s still all-to-play-for with Argentina and Poland playing each other and fewer than three points separating second from fourth.

After an opening game victory that sent shockwaves around the footballing world, Saudi Arabia then slipped to a disappointing defeat against Poland despite a performance that arguably deserved more.

If the Green Falcons slipped in fixture two, then El Tri have fallen through the floor in their opening games, gaining only one point and scoring zero goals.

Nonetheless the tightness of the group means that neither side is dead and buried yet.

Bear with me for some perplexing permutational ponderings, but as things stand Saudi Arabia will guarantee progression with a win, while a draw is enough if Argentina lose by any score or if Poland lose by more than three goals.

Whereas Mexico can only book their coveted Round of 16 ticket with a win if Argentina lose by any score or if Poland are beaten and there is a goal-swing of at least five in Mexico’s favour. 

While Argentina vs Poland remains the glamour tie with two of the game’s greats of the last decade going head to head for progression, this green-clad clash could yet contribute a knockout contender.