Saudi Arabia v Mexico: Proud record in the balance for Mexico
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Saudi Arabia v Mexico betting tips, predictions and odds
Group C at the World Cup 2022 has proved to be more than competitive than might have been expected and Saudi Arabia and Mexico still have hope of reaching the knockout stage.
It is win or bust for Mexico while Saudi Arabia start the final round of matches a point behind group leaders Poland and only behind Argentina on goal difference.
Wednesday’s match at the Lusail Iconic Stadium kicks off at 7pm and is live on the BBC.
Mexico must go for goals
Mexico are perhaps fortunate to still be in contention to qualify for the knockout stage for an eighth successive World Cup given they have failed to find the net in their opening two matches.
They at least picked up a point from a goalless draw with Poland after Robert Lewandowski missed a penalty but then suffered a 2-0 defeat against Argentina.
Coach Gerardo Martino said: “As long as there is a chance we need to try.
“We held our heads high to face a huge opponent in Argentina and I’m sure we will play the same way and we will break our backs in the next game.”
Mexico winning odds of 4/6 show this is a great opportunity to get a first win on the board but that might not be enough depending on the other result in the group and they are the 5/2 outsiders in the World Cup Group C betting to qualify.
It may come down to goal difference if they finish level on points with Poland so over 2.5 goals at 8/11 is an obvious pick for Saudi Arabia v Mexico betting tips, while Mexico to win and at least three goals is 6/4.
Renard still hopeful
Saudi Arabia can already be proud of their efforts in nearby Qatar after their stunning victory over Argentina but they were unable to build on it against Poland.
They almost took another shock lead when they were awarded a penalty but Salem Al Dawsari’s spot-kick was saved by Wojciech Szczesny, who then recovered brilliantly to tip over the rebound from Mohammed Al Burayk.
WOW!
Wojciech Szczęsny take a bow 👏🇵🇱
The former @Arsenal keeper makes an impressive double save from a Saudi Arabia penalty ⛔️ pic.twitter.com/ZICLXLBU4h
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 26, 2022
Poland made them pay but a draw may be enough to send the Saudis through while a victory definitely sees them leapfrog either Poland or Argentina.
Coach Herve Renard said: “We are still alive. We will play until the last second of our World Cup, if it’s next time (against Mexico) or another time, we won’t give up.”
Saudi Arabia are 6/5 to avoid defeat and 4/1 for another upset but we reckon goals are the best bet as both teams could find themselves having to push for victory in the latter stages.
Looking at the Saudi Arabia v Mexico odds, both teams to score in the second half catches the eye at 2/1.
Mexico look to Lozano
For the last of our predictions, we also fancy 4/1 for Hirving Lozano to have an assist.
The Napoli winger is one of Mexico’s most creative players and could have had an assist against Poland but his cross to Alexis Vega was volleyed wide.
Lozano also had a penalty appeal turned down and against weaker opposition he could be the man to finally help Mexico unlock the opposition defence.
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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication
