Tied on points with the Poles (four), the Mexicans miss the round of 16 for the first time since 1994, for one unit on goal difference.

And this despite the defeat of the Poles of Robert Lewandowski against the Argentina of Lionel Messi (2-0) in the match of the qualifiers.

The outcome is frustrating for the "Tri", who constantly pushed to dominate the meeting!

For a long time, he only missed a goal to qualify against the "Green Falcons", who failed in fourth place in Group C, far from the hopes born of their initial exploit against Argentina (2-1 victory) .

Until then silent in front of goal (0-0 against Poland, 2-0 defeat against Argentina), Gerardo "Tata" Martino's men finally knew how to exploit their attacking potential to offer their supporters, who came en masse to the Qatar under their sombreros and wrestling masks, the thrills they deserved.

But this last stand was not enough.

"I think we weren't knocked out in previous matches but in this one. Today was when we dominated, created chances. We could have scored as much as necessary but no," said the Martino, confirming to be on the start in a post-match press conference.

Saudi Arabia 'didn't deserve to win'

In front of fans on one side or the other, the Mexicans opened the scoring thanks to Henry Martin (47th), on the lookout after a deflection from Cesar Montes at the near post, in the wake of a corner .

Luis Chavez quickly doubled the bet with a sublime free kick from 33 meters, timed at 76 km / h by Fifa (52nd).

Mexican players in Doha on November 30, 2022 © KARIM JAAFAR / AFP

The "Tri" then had a host of opportunities to score the goal of qualification, in particular by Martin, whose strike flew above the Saudi cages (70th), or by Orbelin Pineda, who missed the little frame (76th).

Hirving Lozano (56th) and Uriel Antuna (88th) thought they would offer the precious sesame to their country but their achievements were canceled for offside positions.

A late goal from Saudi captain Salem Al-Dawsari, after a one-two with Hatan Bahbri (90th + 5), buried the hopes of the Mexicans, who remained for several minutes embracing on the lawn after the final whistle.

Hervé Renard's men have never made the weight and "did not deserve to win this match", admitted the French coach.

They leave the World Cup after a glorious first attempt against Argentina which remained unanswered.

"Congratulations to the players, concluded Renard. We did our best today, it was difficult but we must not forget what we achieved together."

© 2022 AFP