Saudi Arabia v Mexico - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - November 30, 2022 Mexico's Raul Jimenez in action with Saudi Arabia's Mohammed Al-Owais. [Source: Reuters]

Mexico beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 in World Cup Group C today but fell agonisingly short of reaching the last 16 on goal difference.

Quickfire second-half strikes from Henry Martin and Luis Chavez had put Mexico on course to reach the knockout stages and Uriel Antuna also put the ball in the net but the effort was disallowed for offside.

Saudi Arabia pulled a goal back in stoppage time through Salem Al-Dawsari.

Mexico finished with four points, level with Poland who lost 2-0 to group winners Argentina and had a superior goal difference of one to advance.

That ended Mexico’s run of seven straight last-16 qualifications stretching back to 1994.

Saudi Arabia were eliminated after finishing bottom of the standings on three points.

Late drama as it all came down to goal difference for Mexico.#FIFAWorldCup #Qatar2022

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 30, 2022