Saudi Arabia vs Mexico, FIFA World Cup 2022, Today Match Prediction

Saudi Arabia vs Mexico Match Prediction & Analysis

Mexico are on the verge of breaking their own record, although it won’t be a positive one. They have reached the knockout stages at each of the last seven World Cups, although it’s going to be tough to make it eight.

To reach the Round of 16, Mexico must beat Saudi Arabia and hope that either Poland beat Argentina or that they thrash the Saudis to give themselves a better goal difference.

Either way, their fate is no longer in their hands, demonstrating how disappointing a tournament it has been for them so far. The 2-0 defeat to Argentina in their last game was a killer blow.

Saudi Arabia gave us the perfect shock by beating Argentina in their first game, although have perhaps now found their level once more after losing to Poland. 

They can still qualify for the Round of 16 with victory here, but they would need to muster another huge performance to do so.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Saudi Arabia Preview

FIFA Ranking: 51

Predicted Finish: Group Stage

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Have a glorious opportunity to progress to the knockout stages

     Mexico have offered very little going forward

Reasons to be fearful:

     Struggled to raise their level against Poland

     Just four wins from their last 19 matches

There are often moments you look back on as the deciding factor in success of failure. For Saudi Arabia, it could well be their missed penalty against Poland which would have levelled the scores.

As it happened, Poland went on to score a second and wrap up the game, but scoring that penalty may have inspired the Saudis to hold on for a point. 

A win would see them progress through to the Round of 16, and they needn’t be fearful of a Mexico team that has offered very little at this tournament so far. If the Saudis can grab a goal, they’ll feel confident of progressing.

Sure, their fans will be outnumbered in the stadium, as Mexican fans have travelled in great quantity to this tournament, but if they keep their heads in big moments of the game, they could spring another surprise.

Star Man – Salem Al Dawsari

He scored the winner against Argentina and very nearly netted the equaliser from the penalty spot against Poland. Is it written in the stars that he scores the winner here to guide his country through?

Mexico Preview

FIFA Ranking: 13

Predicted Finish: Round of 16

Reasons to be cheerful

     Were able to frustrate Argentina for long periods

     Have the pace to trouble Saudi Arabia at the back

Reasons to be fearful

     Without a goal so far at this tournament

     Relying on other results if they are to progress

Mexico have, unfortunately for them, been one of the tournament’s disappointments so far.

Like their North American neighbours, Canada and the United States, they have failed to win a game. That particular part of the world hasn’t performed as well as it should have at this tournament so far.

Against Argentina, Mexico battled and fought back against their opponents, but offered absolutely nothing going forward. Considering that Argentina were facing elimination, Mexico did nothing to pressurise them.

That 2-0 defeat leaves them facing the exit door themselves and you wonder if they have it in them to put a few goals past the Saudis, regardless of other results going in their favour. 

There are plenty of hard workers in this Mexico team, but they now need moments of quality to go along with it.

Star Man – Hirving Lozano

Lozano has always been a willing runner at this World Cup, but hasn’t had the goal threat he’s shown in previous tournaments. Can he inspire his team here?