Qatar, Dec. 1 -- They call it "la maldicion del quinto Partido" - the curse of the fifth game - but for the first time in the last eight World Cups Mexico depart without even having a shot at ending it after a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia left them in third place and out.

In every tournament since 1994 Mexico have progressed to, been eliminated in, their fourth game in the round of 16, often in the most agonising circumstances.

Twice it was Argentina who knocked them out, but on Wednesday Mexico were pleading for help from them as they began the night with a mountain to climb from the bottom of Group C.

Argentina duly played their part, beating Poland 2-0, and when Henry Martin and Luis Chavez put Mexico 2-0 up against a toothless Saudi A...