(Football news) The race to qualify from Group C is set to go right down to the wire, as Saudi Arabia and Mexico face each other off at the Lusail Stadium. With at least one of Argentina and Poland set to drop points this match becomes very important as all four sides are still in with a shot of progressing to the last-16. From the highs of defeating Argentina to the lows of a 2-0 loss to Poland, Herve Renard’s side were brought back down to earth at the weekend and missed the opportunity to seal a historic place in the next round.

An inspired performance from Wojciech Szczesny helped get Poland the victory as the Juventus man saved Salem Al-Dawsari’s penalty but goals from Piotr Zielinski and Robert Lewandowski really dampened the mood of the Saudi fans. After that result they are now third in Group C as Saudi still have their destiny in their own hands, as three points against Mexico would safely see them through to the knockout stages for only the second time since 1994. On the other hand if the match ends in a draw that may even be enough if Poland can beat Argentina by at least three goals.

Meanwhile, Mexico learned that giving Lionel Messi too much time and space on the edge of the box is a crime as the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner set Argentina on their way to a crucial 2-0 win to deepen their elimination concerns. Mexico is at real risk of breaking their magnificent streak of top-two finishes inWorld Cup group stages. El Tri have progressed to the round of 16 of every World Cup since 1994 and have not gone out in the group stage since 1978, but Gerardo Martino’s side have to win and hope that the scoreline goes in their favour in Poland’s match with Argentina.

Given their goal difference is not great, Mexico would need to beat Saudi Arabia by four-goals to qualify if Poland and Argentina ends in a draw, and they will subsequently need five-goals in their favour if Argentina beat Poland. Mexico’s ideal situation would be if they win and if Poland gets the better of Argentina, but they need to score a goal in this year’s tournament something that they have not done and out of all the sides to have played two games so far, only Tunisia have also posted zero goals. Mexico boasts a strong record of four wins and a draw from their five meetings with Saudi Arabia, but the most recent match came in 1999. Renard’s side will not fear their opponent knowing this is their best chance of qualification.

Saudi Arabia possible starting lineup:

Alowais; Abdulhamid, Al-Amri, Tambakti, Al-Ghannam; Kanno; Al-Buraikan, Al-Hassan, Al-Najei, Al-Dawsari; Al-Shehri

Mexico possible starting lineup:

Ochoa; Sanchez, Moreno, Montes, Gallardo; Herrera, Guardado, Chavez; Lozano, Jimenez, Vega

Also read: WC 2022: Denmark face Australia in a do or die match to qualify