Gerardo Martino steps down as Mexico coach after World Cup failure
Gerardo Martino
Mexico head coach Gerardo Martino confirmed he has stepped down following their World Cup exit.
Mexico's 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia was not enough to secure a round-of-16 spot as Poland finished second behind Argentina in Group C on goal difference.
After the game, former Barcelona boss Martino - who has been in charge of Mexico since January 2019 - said: "The contract expired with the final whistle and there is nothing else to do.
"I am the man responsible for the frustration and disappointment.
"It is real sadness and I assume all the responsibility for this huge failure."
Mexico opened their World Cup campaign with a goalless draw against Poland before losing 2-0 to Argentina.
Poland's 2-0 defeat to Argentina on Wednesday night gave Mexico an opportunity to climb into second place.
But, with all tie-breakers level before Poland had an advantage over Mexico with fewer yellow cards, El Tri knew they needed to add to the two-goal lead provided against Saudi Arabia by Henry Martin and Luis Chavez.
Mexico had two goals disallowed in the second half before Saudi Arabia secured Poland's progress via goal difference with a stoppage-time strike from Salem Al Dawsari.
Martino said: "We outplayed the opponent and created more chances and we could have scored as many goals as needed.
"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."
Saudi Arabia head coach Herve Renard said his players and staff would always remember a World Cup that saw them take the scalp of Argentina.
Renard said: "Afterwards, I said to them, 'congratulations for your World Cup, but we didn't deserve to win the game'.
"We won't forget what we did together at this World Cup. This was more difficult for us, but I will always protect them and I'm proud of their World Cup."
Victory would have seen Saudi Arabia progress from the group stage for only the second time.
Renard said: "The World Cup standard is always high and in our group we had three very good teams.
"In Saudi Arabian history we have only once reached the knockout stages and that was a long time ago, back in 1994.
"We were dreaming of doing it again, but the way we played here we didn't deserve to do that."
Late drama as it all came down to goal difference for Mexico.#FIFAWorldCup #Qatar2022
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 30, 2022
Recommended Offers
£30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 100 Free Spins
New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket or Basketball multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets are available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days after the new account is registered.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
Get up to £50 Welcome Bonus
New customers only. Opt-in required. 100% Match Bonus up to £50 on 1st deposit of £10+. 50x wagering & game weighting applies. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
Get £10 in Free Bets
New customers only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Min Deposit: £10. Free Bet awarded: £10. 1 x £10 must be wagered at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). Free bet will expire 7 days after the 1st deposit.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad