Mexico won 2-1 against Saudi Arabia with goals by Henry Martin and Luis Chaves, but the victory was not enough for the team to advance out of Group C.
Mexico tried desperately in the final 20 minutes to get another goal — including an effort by Uriel Antuna in the 87th minute that was ruled offside — but came up short.
Mexico has reached the round of 16 at the last seven World Cups, tied for the longest current streak with Brazil. But in Qatar, the team sat at the bottom of Group C ahead of the must-win match against Saudi Arabia.
But because of Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Poland in a simultaneous match, Mexico failed to advance out of its group for the first time since 1978.
Saudi Arabia reached the round of 16 back in 1994, the team’s World Cup debut, but hasn’t made it past the group stage since.
