Saudi fans back Green Falcons to fly high against Mexico and reach World Cup last 16

A shock win against Argentina means the Saudi team have an opportunity to reach the knock-out stages for only the second time in their history

Saudi Arabia fans gathered to watch the World Cup match against Poland at Marsool Park Stadium in Riyadh. Reuters

There was a carnival atmosphere at the stadium after Saudi Arabia's opening win over Argentina. Reuters

Young Saudi fans wearing their team's colours fly the country's flag. Reuters

A Saudi Arabia fan takes a selfie. Reuters

The atmosphere was tense during the match. Reuters

Saudi Arabia were beaten 2-0, with Poland's goals from Piotr Zielinski and Robert Lewandowski. Reuters

The result meant disappointment in the Riyadh stadium. Reuters

Saudi fans were full of hope, particularly when the team won a penalty. AFP

But the spot kick was missed by Salem Al Dawsari. AFP

Excitement turned to dejection as the fans watched the game slip away. AFP

Saudi Arabia were dominant yet not decisive, the better team for much of the game. AFP

A Saudi fan shows her disappointment. AFP

Saudi football fans react as they watch a live broadcast of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group C football match between Poland and Saudi Arabia, in the capital Riyadh on November 26, 2022. (Photo by Fayez Nureldine / AFP)

Thousands turned out to watch the Poland game, riding a wave of positivity. AFP

Saudi Arabia controlled the first half hour and more, clearly buoyed by the Argentina triumph. AFP

The frustration of the players was felt by the fans. AFP

Saudi Arabia fans show their colours with pride. Reuters

The Poland match evoked a range of emotions. Reuters

The Poland match ultimately ended in disappointment, but Saudi Arabia can still qualify. Reuters

Saudi Arabia fans are backing the Green Falcons to soar into the World Cup knock-out stages with a historic win over Mexico on Wednesday night.

The enterprising Saudis have already made headlines across the globe during the tournament thanks to a stunning 2-1 win over Lionel Messi's Argentina in their opening match.

They were unlucky to lose out to a savvy Poland team in their second group fixture but know victory against the winless Mexicans will take them through to the last 16.

The Gulf outfit are aiming to emulate the achievements of the heralded Saudi side that emerged from their group at USA 1994.

They will be roared on by thousands of fans in Lusail stadium, and supporters hope they can make the most of the home field advantage.

'We can make it'

Siraj Khayat, a 34-year-old Saudi football fan. Credit: Siraj Khayat

“We will have a historic win tonight. I’m so optimistic and believe we will write history again like when we did with Argentina,” said Siraj Khayat, 34, from Jeddah, who will be in the stadium for the crunch clash.

“We will defeat Mexico by 1-0 or 2-0. I will be in Lusail stadium tonight to support the green falcons. It will be tense. Despite being on the edge of my nerves now, I have confidence in them. Our Green Falcons can make it.

“We have high expectations and hope to qualify. Whoever wears the jersey with the kingdom’s logo won’t be afraid. We did it against Messi and his team and we can do it again tonight.”

Saudi are third in Group C on three points, below Argentina on goal difference with Poland leading the way on four points.

But as Argentina and Poland face off in the decisive final group match, a Saudi win would guarantee progression.

A draw would be enough if Poland beat Argentina or if the South American side win by at least four goals.

Mexico, with only a solitary point from their two games, know they must win to stand a chance.

'We will cheer until the final whistle'

Mohammed Naif will be wearing his Saudi Arabia shirt with pride as he watches the drama unfold from his home in Dubai.

“Our players should be positive and play with determination and spirit. We support the players but they need to remember that the fight for qualification will be until the last minute,” Mr Naif said.

“The players should play as if it is the final match in this tournament.

"Believe in your skill levels and we will keep cheering until the final whistle.”

Both decisive Group C fixtures get under way at 11pm, GST.

World Cup 2022 - in pictures

Saudi Arabia midfielder Salem Al Dawsari scores against Mexico. AFP

Mexico's Carlos Rodriguez, left, and Edson Alvarez, right. The Mexicans beat Saudi Arabia but were knocked out. AFP

Mexico's Uriel Antuna celebrates after he thought he had scored, but it was ruled out for offside. AFP

A Mexico fan in Mexico City watches the game against Saudi Arabia. Reuters

Mexico's Hirving Lozano in action. Reuters

Argentina's Alexis Mac Allister celebrates scoring their first goal with a hug from Angel Di Maria. Reuters

Poland's Kamil Glik tries to block a shot by Argentina's Lionel Messi during the Qatar 2020 World Cup final Group C match at Stadium 974. AP

Mohammed Al Owais of Saudi Arabia saves from Mexico's Henry Martin during the Group C match at Lusail Stadium. Getty

Argentina's Nahuel Molina (left) and Poland's Przemyslaw Frankowski battle for the ball. PA

Angel Di Maria of Argentina fights for possession with Bartosz Bereszynski of Poland. Getty

Argentina's Lionel Messi waves to supporters. AFP

Young Argentina fans at Stadium 974. AP

Argentina fans cheer for their team in Qatar. AP

A Saudi Arabia fan at the Lusail Stadium. AFP

Mexico supporters make some noise in Lusail. AP

A Saudi Arabia fan at the big game. AFP

Mathew Leckie celebrates scoring against Denmark in the final Qatar 2022 World Cup Group D match at Al Janoub Stadium. Reuters

Tunisia celebrate Wahbi Khazri's goal against France in the final Group D match at Education City Stadium. Getty

Denmark's Joakim Maehle controls the ball during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group D match against Australia at Al Janoub Stadium. Getty

Australia's Mitchell Duke chests the ball. AP

Australia's Aziz Behich and Mathew Leckie block Andreas Skov Olsen's run. AFP

France goalkeeper Steve Mandanda sees one over the bar in the final Group D match against Tunisia. Getty

Tunisia's Wajdi Kechrida reacts after a missed chance at the Education City Stadium. Reuters

Tunisia's Nader Ghandri celebrates an early strike that was ruled offside. Getty

France fans at the Education City Stadium in Doha, Qatar. EPA

A fan cheers on Tunisia. AFP

Tunisia fans enjoy the atmosphere. Getty

A young Australia fan. AP

Denmark's players warm up. Getty

A Denmark fan has his face painted in national colours. EPA

Denmark fans dressed as Vikings inside the stadium. Reuters

An Argentina fan relaxes at Doha Corniche before his country's Qatar 2022 World Cup Group C match against Poland. Reuters

Camels in Souq Waqif. Reuters

An Argentina fan in Doha Corniche wearing a No.10 Diego Maradona shirt. Reuters

A Saudi Arabia fan in Souq Waqif. Reuters

A Mexico fan in the souq area of Doha. PA

A stall selling flags in Doha's souq area. PA

Netherlands manager Louis Van Gaal during a training session at Qatar University. Getty

Argentina fans are interviewed by a person in a Mexico costume, in the souq area of Doha. PA

A boy draped in a Saudi Arabia flag. PA