Mexico players, fans heartbroken after first FIFA World Cup group stage exit in 44 years: Watch

Despite pulling a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia, Mexico was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2022 on Wednesday, November 30 – their first group stage exit in 44 years. 

Mexico came into the match at the Lusail Stadium having failed to score in either of their previous two matches at the World Cup, Initially, in the match, it seemed like the fair play tiebreaker would be the deciding factor between Mexico and Poland, who were equal on points.

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However, a late Saudi Arabia goal put a damper on the stats and dropped Mexico behind Poland. For the first time since 1978, Mexico failed to reach the knockout rounds. Poland ended up through to the final 16 due to a better goal differential.

There was an outpouring of reactions from Mexican fans on Twitter. Some of the heartbreaking scenes from the game also went viral, in which both Mexican players, as well as their fans, were seen disheartened by the results. 

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“México is eliminated from #Qatar2022? They needed just one more goal,” one of them tweeted, while another wrote, “So close…” One more said, “It ain’t right.” Another wrote, “Mexico beat Poland 1-0 in 2017, the last time they played before this WC. That’s a better reason for Mexico to qualify than Poland because of better disciplinary. Not the answer though”

Another remarked, “EVERY MEXICO FAN RIGHT NOW.” One more said, “You gotta feel for the Mexico players and fans.” One more commented, “Mexico fans will hunt Lautaro outside the stadium.”