Mexico boss Gerardo Martino confirms exit after 'huge failure' at 2022 World Cup

Gerardo Martino's time as Mexico's head coach came to an end after he accepted full responsibility for their exit from the World Cup group stage.

Mexico's 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia was not enough to secure a place in the round of 16, with Poland finishing second to 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 at the final whistle and there is nothing else to do.

"I am the man responsible for the frustration and disappointment.

"It's a real sadness and I take full 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 loss to Argentina on Wednesday night gave Mexico the chance to move into second place.

But, with all the tiebreakers level before Poland had an advantage over Mexico with fewer yellow cards, El Tri knew they had to add to the two-goal lead provided against Poland. Saudi Arabia by Henry Martin and Luis Chavez.

Mexico were denied two second-half goals before Saudi Arabia secured Poland's progress on goal difference with a stoppage-time goal from Salem Al Dawsari.< /p>

Martino said: "We dominated the opposition and created more chances and we could have scored as many goals as needed.

"That's why we scored the third goal and added two centre-forwards together.

"We knew that Poland had less yellows and we were going out, so it was necessary at that time.

"But we failed and I don't think we got knocked out in previous games, but rather today.

"I think we should analyze this more deeply when we have a clear mind.

"It's the reality. We are in a fragile position because we are out of the World Cup."

Saudi Arabia head coach Herve Renard says his players and squad will always remember a World Cup that saw them take Argentina's scalp.

Renard said: "Afterwards, I said to them: 'Congratulations on your World Cup, but we didn't deserve to win the match.

"We will not forget what we did together at this World Cup. It was more difficult for us, but I will always protect them and I am proud of their World Cup."

Victory would have seen Saudi Arabia exit the group stage for only the second time.

Renard said: "The level of the World Cup is always high and in our group we had three very good teams.

"In the history of Saudi Arabia, we have reached the round of 16 only once and that was a long time ago, in 1994.

"We dreamed of doing it again, but the way we played here did not deserve to do so."

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