Henry Martin and Luis Chavez's goals in the second half gave Mexico the win, but Salem Al-Dawsari's late goal dropped them to third place behind Poland. Mexico, who was in danger of being eliminated due to FIFA fair play rules, fought valiantly for a third goal in an effort to raise their goal differential.
One of the biggest surprises of the World Cup was Saudi Arabia's victory over Argentina in their first game. However, after losing to Poland 2-0 in their next match, they came crashing back to earth. Coach Herve Renard exhorted his team to prove they weren't just a one-hit wonder by making history in Saudi football by making it to the knockout rounds for the first time since 1994.
Mexico knew a win was required if they were to have any chance of making it past the group stage at an eighth straight World Cup after failing to win either of their opening two games for the first time in 44 years. Martin was brought in to lead the attack after Gerardo Martino, the manager of Mexico, substituted the back five he had used in the 2-0 defeat to Argentina.
