On a night of extraordinary drama in Doha, Mexico overcame Saudi Arabia 2-1 but was eliminated from the World Cup on goal difference.

With Argentina defeating Poland 2-0 at Stadium 974 in Group C and Mexico leading by the same scoreline at Lusail Stadium in the 94th minute, Gerardo Martino's team needed one more goal to avoid elimination under Fifa's fair play rule.

Saudi Arabia's added-time consolation goal sent the beleaguered Mexicans home on goal difference, allowing Poland's players to rejoice around the city.

After a stuttering first half with no rhythm, the game exploded two minutes after the interval as Henry Martin reacted quickest to execute Cesar Montes' flick on.

Mexico fans had just settled down when Luis Chavez curled a magnificent 30-yard free-kick into the top corner, sending their supporters into a frenzy.

Hirving Lozano's low shot was ruled offside, and Martin could have added a second but volleyed over from 12 yards out.

It was all Mexico pushing for more goals. Chavez almost hit another spectacular free-kick, but Mohammed Al Owais palmed it away, and Orbeln Pineda fired barely wide.

Mexico believed they had clinched passage when Uriel Antuna stroked in late on, but it was also disallowed for offside, and they were eliminated in agony.