World Cup

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World Cup | Group Stage

Nov 30, 2022 at 7pm UK

Saudi Arabia
1 - 2
Mexico

Al-Dawsari (90+5')
Al-Shehri (28'), Al Hassan (34'), Tambakti (52'), Madu (81'), Al Amri (90+1'), Babhir (90+7')

FT(HT: 0-0)

Martin (47'), Chavez (52')
Alvarez (16')

World Cup 2022: Reasons for Saudi Arabia to be confident of beating Mexico

By Ben Sully

Published: November 29 2022 | 21:43

Last updated: November 30 2022 | 21:20

Ahead of Saudi Arabia's final World Cup group game, Sports Mole looks at some of the reasons why they will be confident of beating Mexico.

Saudi Arabia began their campaign with a memorable 2-1 victory over Argentina, but they were unable to take anything from their second group game against Poland.

Despite losing 2-0 to the European side, they sit in third place on goal difference, but their destiny is still in their own hands.

A win in the final World Cup group game against Mexico would guarantee them a place in the last 16, while a draw could be enough depending on the result of Argentina's meeting with Poland, however, they would be eliminated with a defeat.

Here, Sports Mole looks at three reasons why Saudi Arabia will be confident of claiming a victory over Mexico that would secure them a place in the last 16.

Experience of Herve Renard

Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard on September 23, 2022 © Reuters

There are not many managers that boast the varied CV that Herve Renard possesses, with his career comprising of roles at Cambridge United, Zambia and Lille to name a few.

Including his current position as Saudi Arabia boss, Renard has managed five national sides throughout his career, where he has enjoyed success in major tournaments.

He has guided Zambia and Ivory Coast to Africa Cup of Nations glory, and in the process, he became the first coach to win the tournament twice with different teams.

In his three years as Saudi Arabia manager, he has demonstrated his ability to set up a side that can claim positive results, and with Mexico pushing for a victory in the final group game, Renard will attempt to utilise his tactical intelligence to exploit any gaps left in behind the opponents' defence.

Mexico's recent World Cup form

Mexico's Carlos Salcedo and Edson Alvarez react after being knocked out of the 2018 World Cup © Reuters

As well as preparing themselves for their final group game, Saudi Arabia can draw inspiration from Mexico's recent struggles in World Cup matches.

El Tri are currently experiencing their worst run of form at the tournament since failing to win any of their first 13 games at the World Cup between 1930 and 1962.

Mexico lost their last two games in Russia four years ago, and after beginning their current campaign with a draw and a defeat, they are now winless in four World Cup matches.

Not only have they been unable to win any of those four games, but they have also failed to find the net in that period, which will offer Saudi Arabia inspiration ahead of Wednesday's meeting.

Al-Dawsari chasing goalscoring record

Sensationally, Saudi Arabia scored two goals against Argentina despite having just three shots, while 16 attempts on goal against Poland was not enough to trouble the scorers, but if they are to find the net against Mexico, then they could be looking towards Salem Al-Dawsari.

Al-Dawsari has a respectable goalscoring record for his club side Al Hilal, scoring 71 goals in 309 appearances for the reigning Saudi Pro League champions.

However, he has shown in Qatar that he possesses the ability to compete on the biggest stage after scoring the winning goal in Saudi Arabia's surprise victory over Argentina.

As a result, he now has two World Cup strikes to his name, and he is one behind Saudi Arabia's record World Cup goalscorer Sami Al-Jaber, who he will be aiming to move level with, or even surpass when he features against Mexico on Wednesday.