Saudi Arabia vs. Mexico Prediction: 2022 World Cup Odds
The Green Falcons dropped a 2-0 decision to Poland in matchday 2 action, but remain level in points with second-place Argentina heading into Thursday’s Group C finale. Now winless and goalless in four straight World Cup matches after falling 2-0 to Argentina on Saturday, Mexico must earn a win over Saudi Arabia to maintain their slim hopes of making a ninth straight appearance in the World Cup knockout stage.
Despite their recent woes at this tournament, Mexico look to Wednesday’s contest as lofty -160 favourites while the Saudis lag as +358 underdogs. The odds of Thursday’s match ending in a draw are pegged at +304, while strong -140 odds favour the total going OVER 2.5.
Saudi Arabia vs. Mexico Betting Analysis
Wednesday afternoon’s matchup at Lusail Iconic Stadium marks the first ever World Cup meeting between these sides, and their first clash since Mexico rolled to an easy 5-1 victory over the Green Falcons in the group stage at the 1999 Confederations Cup. Overall, Mexico is unbeaten in four all-time dates with Saudi Arabia, outscoring them by a wide 12-1 margin in three previous non-friendly matchups.
However, El tri have struggled to generate steady results of late, winning just four of 13 outings across all competitions since the end of World Cup qualifying. The Green Falcons’ loss to Poland marks just their second defeat in 10 matches in all competitions. However, Saudi Arabia have mustered just five total goals, and have seen the total reach 3.0 on just once over that stretch.
Betting Options: Make sure to check out all our World Cup betting action.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia deserved a better result than what they got in Saturday’s loss to Poland. In addition to controlling 64% possession and outshooting Poland by an overall 16-9 margin, the Green Falcons missed on golden opportunities to take an early lead, including a missed penalty by Salem Al-Dawsari in the dying moments of the first half. Poland steadily took control after the break, with Robert Lewandowski sealing the win with his first-ever World Cup goal.
This squad has exceeded the expectations they faced as the second-lowest ranked side entering the tournament. That said, the Green Falcons will need another steady performance out of goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais, and seize opportunities the way they did against Argentina to keep pace with the defensive-minded Mexicans.
Mexico
Mexico looked poise to spoil Argentina’s bid for glory at the World Cup while playing the Albiceleste to a scoreless draw through the first hour of their clash on Saturday. However, a Lionel Messi goal in the 64th quickly set the Mexicans back on their heels, dooming them to an eventual 2-1 loss and sole possession of the basement on the Group C table. The defeat extended a worrisome trend that has seen Mexico rebound to claim at least a point after allowing the first goal just once in 10 tries.
The squad’s ability to generate offense has been hampered by the limited available of their leading goalscoring in qualifying Raul Jimenez. Hampered by a groin injury that has kept him out of the Wolves’ Premier League lineup since August, Jimenez has been used sparingly in Qatar, and did not see action as a substitute until the 71st minute of Saturday’s loss to Poland.
Saudi Arabia vs. Mexico Prediction
Saudi Arabia 1, Mexico 1