Saudi Arabia has caused the biggest upset yet in the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup, stunning Tournament favourites Argentina 2-1 in their opening group C clash to end their 36-game unbeaten run.
In one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history, Argentina capitulated in the second half to the Asian nation – ranked 51st in the world.
Saudi Arabia are the second-lowest ranked country at Qatar, but you wouldn’t have thought it as they made their opponents look ordinary in the second period.
The South Americans went into the break 1-0 up through Lionel Messi‘s 10th minute penalty and were well on top.
The Copa America holders had THREE first-half goals ruled out for offside, with Messi seeing a second strike chalked off.
Lautaro Martinez meanwhile had two efforts ruled out by VAR as Argentina threatened to run riot.
But few would have expected Argentina to have been trailing within eight minutes of the restart.
Saleh Al-Shehri equalised in the 48th minute after his low left-footed strike snuck beyond Emiliano Martinez into the bottom right corner.
And moments later, Salem Aldawsari’s fiercely struck shot proved too hot too handle for Martinez as he sent the Saudi fans into delirium.
It was all Saudi Arabia at the start of the second half, with Argentina left baffled at how to deal with their relentless press.
Argentina pressed for a late equaliser to salvage a point, but it was to no avail against a resilient Saudi side who celebrated every tackle and clearance like a goal.
There was cause for concern deep into stoppage time after Yasser Alshahrani took a knee to the face from his own goalkeeper, resulting in him receiving quick medical treatment.
Saudi shot-stopper Mohammed Alowais was visibly upset at the sight of his teammate laying flat on his face on the pitch.
But his distress soon turn to delight as his side held on for the famous victory.
It is Argentina’s first defeat since being knocked out of the 2019 Copa America semi-final by Brazil.
Saudi Arabia meanwhile have won just their fourth World Cup match since their first appearance in 1994.
Argentina must now claim results against Mexico and Poland if they wish to progress into the knockout stages of the competition.
