The final 45 minutes of the World Cup match between Mexico and Saudi Arabia are unbearable. Mexico is pushing for progress. You have it in your own hands and are still dependent on the help of a guard. In the end there are almost only losers. Only FIFA can celebrate.
The second half at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, FIFA President Gianni Infantino's dream come true, hasn't even started when everything changes. The first 45 minutes between Saudi Arabia and Mexico had ended goalless. A goal is enough for Saudi Arabia to progress, while Mexico must hope for a winner in the parallel game. And in the very likely case of a defeat by Poland, if they win 2-0, they will either win four goals and a few yellow cards, or if they are 3-0, only four goals. Five goals plus between Argentina and Mexico are definitely enough.
Mexico have qualified for the knockout stages of a World Cup since 1994, in fact since 1982. Only in 1990, when they were excluded, did they not make it to the tournament. And their path in Qatar should not end prematurely here at the final venue. In the first few games they let it slide and only played football when it was too late. They forced Argentina into a dirty fight at 0-2 and paid with yellow cards. They can still get expensive. But that's not on anyone's radar after the first 45 minutes in the Lusail.
In the 974, the container stadium where the parallel game is played, Lionel Messi missed a penalty in the first half, but Argentina are so superior that there is no doubt that the South Americans will win. Especially not at all when Alexis Mac Allister met shortly after the restart. Three more goals. Half time hasn't even started and Mexico scored. A goal at a psychologically important time. The Mexican fans, long hidden in the sea of Saudi supporters who also arrived in green, are making themselves felt. And how.
The first reporters from Mexico could no longer stand it in the media gallery. You give up all neutrality. Become one with the suddenly visible crowds of fans next to them. And on the field, everything is going according to plan. After a corner from Jorge Sanchez and a heel extension from Cesar Montes, Henry Martin pushed the ball over the line after two minutes. 1:0! Two more goals. 43 minutes plus stoppage time remain.
No problem for Mexico. Saudi Arabia throws themselves into the sword of self-abandonment and a few minutes later sees a wonderful Luis Chavez free-kick sail over the wall and past keeper Mohammed Al-Owais into the goal. 2:0! Another gate. 38 minutes plus stoppage time. Nobody keeps it on the seats. The Mexicans cheer on their team. "Mexico, Mexico, Mexico" resounds again and again through the gold bowl. When the news of the Argentinians making it 2-0 spread for a good five minutes from Julian Alvarez's goal in the parallel game in the Lusail, evoking memories of the good old portable radio days, a collective scream of joy bursts into a midfield action.
The scoreboard brings everyone back to reality. The current table can now often be seen there. Mexico is behind. Seven yellow cards against the five of Poland. Something has to happen. An angry red for Lewandowski in 974 or even better a few goals of his own. Saudi Arabia is already on the ground, but suddenly defends itself again.
The Mexican reporters in the stands frantically adjust their monitors to the game between Argentina and Poland. The heart pounding on attack, an eye on the field, an eye on the drama in 974. If there is no goal, then a red card is needed. But the Poles act disciplined, play on the fair play rating. Mexico plays on goal. Finish after finish against a Saudi team who are struggling to stay on their feet. The tournament robbed them of all their strength. They hardly ever win a duel, but they keep throwing themselves into every ball. The World Cup may have left its mark, but they don't want to give up.
The Mexicans, on the other hand, are masters of negligence. You squander chance after chance. You fly into the penalty area, look imploringly at the English referee Michael Oliver. Penalty, penalty, penalty. Do you want. Don't get them. And in goal for the Saudis, Mohammed Al-Owais excels, just like he did against Argentina. He grabs the next free kick from the outstanding Luis Chavez. Two, three steps. A hop in his right corner, somehow got his hands on it. Although the Saudis are powerless and without hope, they do not give the game away. Al-Owais saves and when he's already beaten, he'll slam the ball wide of the post or be blocked at the last moment by a defender who appears out of nowhere.
Across three games at the tournament, Mexico recorded 13 offsides, more than any other team at the World Cup to date. Six times they run offside against Saudi Arabia. Two of these whistles turn out to be particularly fatal. In the 87th minute, Uriel Antuna started a bit too early. No matter how good his finish, the goal is withdrawn, as it was in the 56th minute. Since Napoli professional Lozano scored the supposed 3-0. Also offside.
Seven minutes of stoppage time, Saudi Arabia countered, and the game was over in the 974. Saudi Arabia scores, Poland celebrates, but Mexico still need just one goal. A 3-1 would let them pass Lewandowski's team. Final Attacks. With less conviction. Then the end. The players of both teams threw themselves on the pitch in desperation and disappointment. Hearts break in the stands. The 2:1 for Mexico means the end for both teams.
"It's a heavy blow for us," says midfielder Edson Alvarez. "We had so many chances, but we just didn't make it. It tastes so bitter." Coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino draws his conclusions immediately after the final whistle: "I'm responsible for this disappointment. My contract ended right after the final whistle. We can't do anything anymore."
It's this drama that makes football so unique. All is forgotten for 45 minutes plus stoppage time at Lusail Stadium. All the megalomania of FIFA, the countless allegations against the host country. Forget the shameless sale of football that led him to this giant golden bowl in the glittering test-tube city north of Doha. When football shines, when it takes your breath away, when escapism pushes you into your veins with full force, then it engulfs everything around you. The journey into uncertainty establishes the power of football and establishes the power of those who own football.
The second half at the Lusail Iconic Stadium is proof of that. The fact that there are only losers in the end is indicative of the state of the game. FIFA deals with a commodity that makes you forget and writes stories for eternity. Aware of this, FIFA acts under its rogue President Infantino, barters the game with the highest bidder and without any morals. He bothers us with his hypocritical feelings and everyone is hooked. When football descends into chaos on the pitch, when it gives up everything and draws the spectators in, nobody has a choice.
