JAKARTA - Saudi Arabia has appeared in the World Cup finals for the sixth time and has reached the last 16 in its debut in 1994.
If they can beat Mexico like they defeated Argentina 2-1 last week, then The Green Falcons repeated its best achievement 18 years ago.
But just like Saudi, all residents of Group C, including Mexico, are at the bottom, both have the opportunity to advance to that round.
If Saudi Arabia wants to repeat its 1994 achievements, then they have to beat Mexico, regardless of the outcome of another Group C match between Poland and Argentina.
A draw can still lift Saudi to the last 16 but the condition is that Poland must beat Argentina. Even losing still has a chance, only if you lose one goal while hoping Poland will rain Argentina's goal with a lot of goals.
Saudi Arabia shocked the world of football when it toppled Argentina 2-1 in the first match of the group phase before losing 0-2 to Poland in the second match.
"No one in the world thinks we can play at this level. Yes, in Saudi Arabia we know all the players well, but they are unknown to football fans around the world," Saudi coach Herve
As in the first two games, Saudi Arabia will be supported by thousands of supporters because by driving alone Saudi Arabia has arrived in Qatar.
"Qatar is Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia is Qatar. This is our land, the stands will be full," Ismail Hobeish fans told Reuters.
Moreover, menjanjikan bahwa pada pertandingan di Lusail melawan Mexico nanti itu squadnya akan tampil penuh energi dan ingin menang yang sama.
"We need supporters to make history. I want the stadium green again, maybe we will play in white costumes, but that's not important, we want support from supporters."
However, there are a number of factors that prevent Saudi Arabia's struggle from being easily passed considering Mexico is more experienced getting out of the needle. They have reached the last 16 eight times in a row.
Mexico had to beat Saudi Arabia by at least three goals, hoping Poland would not be defeated by Argentina. If the 2021 Copa America champion beats Poland, it will be tough for Mexico.
Mexico will also enter the arena with a good record of never losing to Saudi Arabia in the previous five games, including a two-time win with five goals each in the FIFA Confederation Cup.
The problem is that Mexico is faced with blunt disease, a front row, unable to score a single goal against Poland and Argentina. They can experience bad not being able to score in a World Cup tournament.
"As long as there is a chance, we have to always try," Mexican coach Tata Martino said. "The Saudi Arabia must win this game and score, so do we."
Predictions of the first eleven players
Saudi Arabia (4-1-3-2): Mohammed Alowais; Saud Abdulhamid, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Sultan Al-Ghannam; Mohamed Kanno; Feras Al-Buraikan, Ali Al-Hassan, Sami Al-Najei, Salem Al-Dawsari; Saleh Al-Shehri
Mexico: Guillermo hala; Jorge Sanchez, wary Moreno, Cesar Montes, Jesus Gallardo;tenze Herrera, Andres Guardado, Luis Chavez; Hirving Lozano, Raul Jimenez, Alexis Vega
Important statistics of both teams
Saudi Arabia and Mexico have faced each other five times since their first meeting in January 1995. Mexico won the four games, including the last in 1999.
Mexico could not score in their last four World Cup games.
Saudi Arabia wants to match or surpass the achievements of the 1994 World Cup last 16 which is also their debut.
The last time Mexico stopped in the group phase was at the 1982 World Cup.
Mexico must win to survive this tournament. They will definitely qualify if Poland beats Argentina in another Group C match.
Saudi Arabia reached the round of 16 if they won.
A draw will see Saudis into the knockout round if Poland beats Argentina, but if both games draw, Saudis are eliminated because the Copa America champions are only at odds with the number of goals.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
