World Cup 2022

Group C, Match 40- SAU vs MEX

Preview 

Mexico and Saudi Arabia will lock horns in match 40 of the ongoing edition of the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium on Thursday, December 1. The final round of the Group C fixture is expected to be a cracking affair. Both sides still stand a chance of securing a spot in the knockout stage as at least one of Argentina and Poland are set to drop points in the other group contest. 

Saudi Arabia failed to confirm their place in the round of 16 as they fell to 2-0 loss against Prior to that, Hervé Renard’s side scripted history by defeating Argentina in their group opener. However, Saudi Arabia head into match 39 with their fate in their own hands as a win will see them through the next round for the first time since 94’

Meanwhile, Mexico’s World Cup dreams suffered a massive blow as they lost 2-0 to South American counterparts Argentina. El Tri opened their account with a goalless draw against Poland. They are currently positioned at the bottom of Group C standings and are winless in their last three matches across all competitions. They will be hoping to end this miserable run. 

Match Details

Match: Group C, Match 40: SAU vs MEX, World Cup 2022

Date: 1 December 2022

Time: 12:30 AM  

Venue: Lusail Stadium

Key Players

SAU: Saudi Arabian winger Salem Al-Dawasi hogged the limelight after scoring the winning goal against Argentina. However, Salem has accomplished much prior to that match as well. Salem joined Al Hilal as a youth player. Over the years, he managed to net 47 goals in 207 appearances. 

He has also done well at the grandest stage for his nation. The winger started all three of SAU’s group stage fixtures at the 2018 edition. Salem also scored the late gasp winner against Egypt in the group stage. 

MEX: According to many, Lozano has failed to make an impact at Napoli. In 102 Serie A games, the Mexican winger has 23 goals and 14 assists. Lozano, along with Raul Jimenez and Jorge Ochoa, is one of Mexico's top stars. He is a starting XI player mostly due to his ability to go past defenders.

Lozano has made 62 appearances for Mexico and has 16 goals and 11 assists. Hirving has yet to appear at the World Cup. In six appearances for Mexico, the winger has registered one goal. Lozano must step up in this do or die clash.  

Possible Starting XIs

SAU: Al-Burayk, Al-Boleahi, Al-Amri, Abdulhamid Al-Najei, Al-Malki, Kanno; Al-Buraikan, Al-Shehiri,Salem Al Dawsari.

MEX: Ochoa Araujo, Montes, Moreno, K. Alvarez, Chavez, Herrera, Edson Alvarez, Gallardo; Hirving Lozano, Vega

Match Prediction

With qualification still possibly on the line, we expect an exciting match with Saudi Arabia and Mexico fighting all out for all three points. Mexico has the firepower and experience required to complete the task, and we believe that they will defeat Renard's team, although by a single goal.

Prediction: SAU 0-1 MEX  

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