Mexico manager Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino has confirmed he will be leaving his role following his side’s World Cup exit in Qatar.
Goals from Henry Martin and Luis Chavez had El Tri within touching distance of the knock-out stages of the competition in their must-win game against Saudi Arabia in a thrilling conclusion to Group C action on Wednesday.
With Argentina in control of their game and heading through as group winners, Mexico and Poland were locked level on points, goals for and goals against entering the final minutes – a situation that would have led to the latter progressing by virtue of their superior Fair Play record having accumulated fewer yellow cards.
In the end, Mexico were eliminated on goal difference after Saudi Arabia scored a late consolation goal through Salem Al-Dawsari deep into stoppage time.
Reports ahead of kick-off claimed former Barcelona manager Martino would walk away from the job were his side to fail to qualify for the knockout stages.
The Argentine confirmed post-match he would indeed step aside, telling Fox Soccer after the 2-1 win: ‘My contract ended as soon as the referee blew the whistle.
‘I am the man responsible for the frustration and disappointment. It is real sadness and I assume all the responsibility for this huge failure.’
Following a goalless draw in their opener against Poland and a 2-0 defeat to Argentina on Saturday, Mexico turned in a stirring performance against Saudi Arabia that proved to be too little too late.
El Tri saw two efforts ruled out for offside with Chavez denied a second stunning free kick after netting a wonderful effort from 30 yards out.
‘We outplayed the opponent and created more chances and we could have scored as many goals as needed, Martino added.
‘That is why we went for the third goal and we added two centre-forwards together.
‘We knew that Poland had fewer yellows and we were going out, so it was necessary in that moment.
‘But we failed and I don’t think we were knocked out in the previous matches, rather today.
‘I think we should analyse this more thoroughly when we have a clear mind. This is the reality. We are in a position of fragility because we are out of the World Cup.’
MORE : Lionel Messi ‘angry’ over penalty miss with Argentina star wary over Australia threat in World Cup last 16
MORE : Argentina qualify for knock-out stages of World Cup with Poland joining them on goal difference in thrilling group finale
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