Mexico knew they had to win by a significant margin to overturn Poland’s goalscoring record to advance through to the knockout stages, and although their 2-0 win put them on equal points in the group table, they lost out by that goal difference.
Tata Martino’s men almost capitalised on a weak Saudi Arabia effort early on, racing straight down the pitch to put Alexis Vega through on goal, only for goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais to come out quickly and smother the shot.
Saudi Arabia responded with an excellent chance of their own, a free-kick from Mohammed Kanno that curled just over the crossbar.
Just before the half hour mark, Mexico went close again, but Saudi Arabia again managed to stifle an effort from Orbelín Pineda that looked like it was heading for the back of the net.
Mexico finally made Saudi Arabia pay just a couple of minutes into the second half when Henry Martín tapped home from close range from a corner.
One soon became two after an outrageous free kick from Luis Chávez from almost 30 yards out, as the supporters went wild knowing that a one goal swing would put them in a qualification spot.
Lightning almost did strike twice when Chávez almost hit another stunning free-kick, but this time goalkeeper Al-Owais managed to fist the shot away.
Mexico had the ball in the back of the net through Uriel Antuna – a goal which would’ve seen them leapfrog Poland into a qualification spot – but agonisingly for them it was disallowed for offside.
As they pushed for the winner, it allowed Saudi Arabia to take their chance to score, and in the dying seconds Salem Al-Dawsari netted to give Poland a helping hand.