Saudi Arabia vs Mexico: Tata to Falcons as El Tri finally get off the mark
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World Cup 2022: Saudi Arabia vs Mexico odds, preview and tips
Argentina’s shock defeat by Saudi Arabia blew World Cup Group C wide open and heading into Wednesday night’s final round of matches all four nations have a chance of qualifying for the knockout stage.
The Falcons are only behind Lionel Messi’s side on goal difference, but a victory against the Mexicans will put them in the last 16 for only the second time in their history following their success in 1994.
The Mexico winning odds are 4/6 to get the three points which may not even be enough to see them qualify for the next phase of the World Cup, while the Saudis are available at 19/5 and the draw 14/5.
El Tri in danger of group-stage exit
Mexico have reached the knockout stage at every World Cup appearance since 1986 and last exited the group stage 44 years ago, but their shot-shy side prop up the table with just one point and no goals.
Their cause has not been helped by their best striker Raul Jimenez starting both matches on the bench having headed to the World Cup without playing a single minute for Wolves since the end of August because of a groin injury.
El Tri were the better team against Poland but failed to find the net with their four shots on target, while only one of their efforts was goalbound in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat by Argentina.
The Saudis restricted Poland to 36% possession on the same day and outshot their opponents 16-9 which included Salem Al-Dawsari’s saved penalty, so they look a threat going forward as they proved with two superb goals in their stunning victory over Argentina.
With both teams still in with a chance of qualifying, this match has all the hallmarks of an end-to-end classic and we could see Tata’s side throwing caution to the wind depending on how the Poland v Argentina game is going.
The same could be said of the Saudis, who will go through to the last 16 with a victory, but their defence looked shaky against Poland, so a Mexico win and both teams to score at 9/4 in the World Cup odds is the first of Wednesday’s tips.
Vega can bring down Falcons
Hirving Lozano was expected to be Mexico’s stand-out player in Qatar, but that mantle is being held by Alexis Vega who has been linked with a move to PSV Eindhoven.
Day completed in Doha. 💯
Let’s continue — together. 🇲🇽#MéxicoDeMiVida | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/FbKKwvIxWe
— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) November 27, 2022
Vega had a couple of chances to score in the goalless draw with Poland and managed to get a free-kick over the wall only for Emilano Martinez to save, so he has had chances to get off the mark.
The Chivas star is 9/2 in the World Cup betting to open the scoring, but instead we’ll go with Vega getting on the scoresheet at any time at 13/8.
El Tri by name
Although Mexico have yet to open their account, they could have some joy against the high line deployed by Saudi Arabia, who were fortunate not to be 4-0 down at the end of the first half against Argentina. Lionel Scaloni’s side had three goals disallowed for offside, one of which looked dubious.
Poland twice hit the woodwork against the Saudis and a defensive howler from Abdulelah Al Malki allowed Robert Lewandowski to score the decisive goal.
The Falcons could have conceded eight instead of the three they have allowed so far and with that in mind, El Tri to win 3-1 at 11/1 is the last of our Saudi Arabia vs Mexico betting tips.
Match Info
Where: Lusail Stadium
When: 19:00, Wednesday 30th November
How to watch: BBC
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
