In a World Cup stunner, Saudi Arabia shocked Argentina, the two-time World champions, 2-1 for the first upset in FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar. Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari scored for the Green Falcons in the second half of the match while the lone goal of Argentina was a penalty goal, scored by Lionel Messi.
It all seemed to be going to plan for the Argentines after their captain and talisman Lionel Messi slotted in a penalty 10 minutes after Saud Abdulhamid hauled down Leandro Paredes in the box.
Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais made superb performance with many saves, and he led the Green Falcons in proving that they are the real world contender at the packed Lusail Stadium. Al-Owais caught almost everything that came his way in the match, and foiled numerous desperate attempts by Messi and his squad members to equalize the game in the last minutes.
A few minutes later, winger Salem al-Dawsari cut inside and curled a beauty into the top corner of the goal. If the first half had belonged to Argentina, it was Saudi Arabia’s moment to shine in the second as their fans celebrated in excitement — and possibly some disbelief — at Lusail Stadium.
Argentina tried their best to draw level, but some resolute defending and a string of fine saves from the Saudi keeper, Al-Owais, stopped them from scoring.
Messi — who has won every other major trophy he has competed for, other than the World Cup — cut a forlorn figure towards the end as he struggled to pull Argentina back into the match. He uncharacteristically guided a close-range header into the palms of the keeper in the final minutes, a miss that in many ways was emblematic of Argentina’s performance on the day.
There was more drama left, though. Five minutes into stoppage time, al-Owais charged out of goal and accidentally kneed al-Dawsari, who received lengthy treatment for his knock before being stretchered off.
History made
Saudi Arabia had never beaten Argentina in their previous four encounters. Their win over the pre-game favourites sparked wild celebrations in the stadium and all around Doha. It was also the first victory for a Middle Eastern side at the World Cup, which the region has never hosted before. Host Qatar lost to Ecuador on Sunday, and Iran were defeated by England on Monday.
Mexico and Poland are the other teams apart from Argentina and Saudi Arabia in Group C. Argentina were the odds-on favourites to move to the next stage at the top of the group. Now they’ll have to fight for that — while Saudi Arabia bask in the glory of their biggest football win ever.
Just minutes into the second half, Saudi Arabia scored a stunning equaliser through Saleh Al-Shehri. Salem Al-Dawsari then doubled the lead for his side, courtesy of a brilliant solo goal. Earlier in the first half, Lionel Messi opened the scoring from the spot after VAR intervention saw Argentina earn a penalty against Saudi Arabia.
Both Messi and Lautaro Martinez have seen multiple goals being denied by offside flags. Credit to Saudi Arabia for not letting the game go out of their hands at half-time, with Argentina only being 1-0 up at the break. Argentina will rue those several disallowed goals in the first half for offside.
