Doha: Saudi Arabia will skip this World Cup as it develops a love-hate relationship with the Lusail Stadium. This striking architectural masterpiece is where their World Cup came to life in sensational fashion with a stunning victory over Argentina in their opening game that will be remembered for generations.
Sadly, after losing to Poland in game two, they could not follow up victory over Argentina with a win against Mexico in game three, and it so happened that their campaign was on a somewhat opposing end on Wednesday at Lusail Stadium. have arrived.
But the Saudi fans, both before and after the game, showed why they will be missed so badly during the remainder of the tournament. Despite the loss, they were in jubilation after the game, spilling out onto Lusail Boulevard to celebrate what was their modern football age.
Having run – or should have run – to Lusail Stadium before the game after watching Australia make history at Al-Janoub Stadium, one could be forgiven for thinking that there were as many fans outside as there were inside.
Lusail Boulevard looked as spectacular as ever, with the flags of the competing nations flying high as thousands of fans mingled and the match began.
As I arrived shortly after kick-off, cheering could be heard at some distance from the stadium, leaving one to wonder what exactly was happening and which set of fans was making all the noise . As numerous and vocal as the Saudi fans were, the Mexican fans matched anything they had to offer.
There was so much green inside Lusail that it was difficult to tell which team had the most support because, once again, the atmosphere generated by both sets of fans was incredible.
Despite an impressive performance in their win over Argentina and loss against Poland, the Green Falcons were under the pump for most of the first half against a Mexican side that clearly meant business. Mexico knew they needed goals to have any hope of moving forward and they came out with only one intent.
Missing a host of first team regulars, a win was always going to be a tall order for Hervé Renard’s side and that’s exactly how the first half played out. The Green Falcons made some progress in the further third of the pitch, at least somewhat threatening, and so the biggest cheers were reserved for lung tackles and desperate saves.
Nevertheless, the Saudis were alive at the time of the break. While the score remained 0-0, they had a chance, and with Salem Al-Dawsari there is always reason to be optimistic.
Lusail Stadium has instantly become an iconic World Cup stadium. From its stunning, shimmering gold façade to the steep sides of the seats in the grandstands, which have around 90,000 fans sitting directly on top of the action, it will provide an incredible setting for the final in two weeks time.
But tonight, Mexico did to Saudi Arabia what the Saudis did to Argentina on matchday one, scoring two goals in a four-minute spell within the opening 10 minutes of the second half to finish off the contest and the usual assertive Saudi fans silenced.
But while those wearing the Saudi green had lost their voices, those in the Mexican green had found theirs. Beating drums, shouting slogans, waving flags; Mexican fans brought Lusail Stadium to life and the party didn’t end with the full-time whistle.
The elimination of both teams is a great shame for the rest of the tournament, as the World Cup has lost two of its most passionate sets of fans.
But as the party continued on Lusail Boulevard long after full time, we were reminded that the World Cup isn’t just about success on the pitch – it’s also about the experience, the atmosphere and the world uniting.
As I looked around at the Saudi fans in Mexican hats, and fans from around the world sharing the experience together, I remembered that there really were no losers tonight.