DOHA – Within the first upset of the FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia surprised Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
Saudi Arabia beat the two-time winners 2-1 in one of many largest upsets in World Cup historical past.
Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al-Dawsari hit a surprising winner to sink the red-hot favourites, bringing the South American aspect’s 36-match unbeaten run to a shuddering halt.
Enjoying a dangerous excessive line of defense, the athletic Saudis rode their luck within the first half when 3 times Argentina had the ball within the internet solely to be denied by an offside name.
However in a chaotic begin to the second half, the Saudis swarmed throughout Lionel Scaloni’s crew and scored twice because the Arab nation beat the South Individuals for the primary time in 5 makes an attempt.
In a primary half dominated by Argentina, it appeared solely a matter of time earlier than Saudi Arabia’s dangerous defensive techniques would value them.
That condensed the sport right into a sliver of inexperienced turf across the midway line because the Asian aspect fortunately allowed Argentina’s again 4 to move the ball amongst themselves.
It appeared Saudi Arabia have been going through an extended afternoon after VAR intervened to award a penalty when Saud Abdulhamid wrestled Leandro Paredes to the bottom within the field at a nook.
Pics that go exhausting 📸 pic.twitter.com/yLq4KUZKR2
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 22, 2022
Messi waited for goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais to dive to his left earlier than cooly rolling the ball into the other nook.
But when the Saudis felt aggrieved on the expertise, it might later assist maintain them within the sport.
3 times Argentina had the ball within the internet solely to be denied by razor-tight offside calls, the primary given by VAR.
There was no controversy concerning the equalizer three minutes into the second half, although, as Al-Shehri ran onto a contact from Feras Al-Brikan, beat Cristian Romero on the skin and slotted the ball again throughout goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and into the far nook.
The sizeable Saudi contingent within the Lusail stadium — the place the World Cup last shall be held — exploded in pleasure.
Abruptly the Argentines have been rattled and 5 minutes later the turnaround was full.
Al-Dawsari’s intelligent flip within the field beat two defenders earlier than he shifted the ball previous a 3rd and rifled an unstoppable shot into the highest far nook.
The group was going wild and Hassan Al-Tambakti punched the air in delight after his determined sliding sort out denied Messi a transparent shot at objective.
Each Al-Owais save, together with a point-blank block from Nicolas Tagliafico’s close-range prod, was greeted with rapturous cheers.
There was late drama after Al-Owais collided with Yasser Al-Shahrani and appeared to knock him out as his knee struck the defender’s head.
Throughout the match between Saudi Arabia and Argentina, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Saudi Sports activities Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal have been current within the stadium.
Saudi Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman watched the match within the kingdom together with relations.
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud introduced nationwide vacation to have fun his crew’s victory.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Saudi Arabia for the historic win towards Argentina.
What a sport of soccer it was! Saudi Arabia made historical past in the present day by staging the most important upset in FIFA World Cup thriller towards Argentina. Heartiest congratulations to HRH Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. We share the happiness of our Saudi brothers & sisters on this nice win.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) November 22, 2022
