Saudi Arabia vs Mexico Prediction: This match will end in a draw

In this third encounter of Group C of the World Cup 2022, Saudi Arabia takes on Mexico. In their last meeting in 1999, Mexico defeated Saudi Arabia 5-1. Nonetheless, both squads will be hoping to advance to the knockout round with a victory, depending on the outcome of the other encounter between Poland and Argentina.

Saudi Arabia Starting 11 (4-4-1-1): Al Owais, Tambakti, Al Boleahi, Al Shahrani, Abdulhamid, Kanno, Al Maliki, Al Shehri, Al Dawsari, Al Faraj, Al Buraikan.

Mexico Starting 11 (4-3-3): Ochoa, Moreno, Montes, Gallardo, Sanchez, Alvarez, Herrera, Chavez, Lozano, Vega, Martin.

Last Five Matches: LWLDW

FIFA World Ranking: 51st

Herve Renard's Saudi Arabia went from the heights of beating tournament favorites Argentina to the depths of despair in a 2-0 loss to Poland over the weekend, missing the chance to secure a historic knockout position. With goals from Piotr Zielinski and Robert Lewandowski (the latter's first at the World Cup at the age of 34), Poland advanced to the knockout round thanks largely to the heroic goalkeeping of Wojciech Szczesny of Juventus. Even though they are currently in third place in Group C, Saudi Arabia still has a chance to advance to the knockout stages by beating Mexico 3–0. In 1994, Saudi Arabia advanced to the round of 16.

If Poland can do them a favor and beat Argentina by at least three goals, then even a draw would be good enough. However, they have only won four of their past 19 matches across all competitions, and their 6% clean sheet percentage at the World Cup does not inspire much confidence.

Last Five Matches: LDLWL

FIFA World Ranking: 13th

Giving Lionel Messi too much space on the edge of the box cost Mexico dearly this past weekend, as the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner helped Argentina to a crucial 2-0 win that increased elimination worries for Mexico's North American rivals. Messi scored the game-winning goal in the bottom corner in the 64th minute, and Benfica starlet Enzo Fernandez sealed the win with a wonderful curling effort. Even if Gerardo Martino's side only needs a win against Poland and the hope that the scoreline and goals go in their favor, El Tri has advanced to the knockout stages of every World Cup since 1994 and has not been eliminated in the group stage since 1978. Mexico's fantastic score of finishes in the top two spots is in jeopardy. If Poland and Argentina play to a tie, Mexico will qualify with a four-goal victory over Saudi Arabia; if Argentina defeats Europe, Mexico will need a five-goal swing in their favor. Alternatively, Mexico will advance if they win and Poland defeats Argentina.

Mexico's record of four victories and a draw in five matches against Saudi Arabia is impressive, the most recent of these contests occurred in 1999. As such, Renard's team has nothing to worry about as they seek a top-two finish.

Prediction: An end-to-end contest could be expected here, given the stakes for both teams, especially two who may be a little more exposed in midfield due to their respective absences. Goal fests have not been a trend in the 2022 World Cup thus far. Although Al-Dawsari and the Saudis pose a constant threat in the last third, we are certain that Mexico will find their shooting boots and secure a victory that could be enough to secure qualifying.

• Both Teams to Score
• Over 2.5
• X

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