Saudi Arabia has pulled off a stunning World Cup upset after defeating Argentina 2-1 at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar, on Tuesday, November 22, 2022.
Argentina were expected to breeze past their first opponents of the showpiece international tournament.
The South American nation, winners of last year’s Copa America, came into the tournament on a 36-game unbeaten run.
Seven-time Balon D’Or winner, Lionel Messi scored Argentina’s first goal of the tournament with a 10th-minute penalty.
Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais tried his best to psych out Messi, but the 35-year-old calmly stroked the ball into the net.
Argentina had a further three goals disallowed before half-time – and then the game turned on its head in the second half as Saudi Arabia scored two goals in five extraordinary minutes.
Saleh Al-Shehri scored Saudi’s equaliser, steering the ball past Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
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Salem Al-Dawsari then scored an early contender for goal of the tournament, curling an unstoppable strike into the opposite corner of the net, stunning Argentina in the process.
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Argentina, one of the pre-tournament favourites, suddenly found themselves a goal down despite dominating the opening 45 minutes.
Despite having well over half-hour to get themselves back into the contest, Argentina were unable to salvage a point.
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