Saudi Arabia stunned Lionel Messi’s Argentina 2-1 Tuesday in Group C.
Many anticipated the third-ranked, undefeated, and tournament favourite South American squad to easily defeat the 48th-ranked opponent.
All pregame attention was on Messi, one of the best players ever playing in his last World Cup. The Argentina captain scored an early penalty, but Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari tied the game.
Saudi Arabia stunned Lionel Messi’s Argentina 2-1 Tuesday in Group C.
Many anticipated the third-ranked, undefeated, and tournament favourite South American squad to easily defeat the 48th-ranked opponent.
All pregame attention was on Messi, one of the best players ever playing in his last World Cup. The Argentina captain scored an early penalty, but Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari tied the game.
Al Dawsari’s long-range goal and acrobatic celebration will be remembered as one of the World Cup’s most memorable moments.
As full-time approached, supporters praised every tackle and save as though they were goals. When the match ended, Saudi Arabia fans went wild.
Both teams collapsed from tiredness and bewilderment. Messi looked heartbroken as Saudi supporters sarcastically cheered his name as he went off.
Gracenote, a Nielsen business, called Tuesday’s outcome the greatest shock in competition history.
“The most shocking World Cup triumph ever, according to Gracenote, was the USA’s win against England in 1950 with a 9.5% probability of winning, but Saudi Arabia’s likelihood of victory today was 8.7% so takes over at number one,” it stated.
Saudi Arabia’s triumph was historic, but Argentina’s capitulation was devastating.
finish
Saudi players grinned and chatted with media as they departed the stadium, in contrast to the Argentine team. Messi was one of few to stop for interviews and photographs.
Saudi supporters who trust in destiny got more wonderful news.
The previous three teams to defeat Argentina in a World Cup either won (Germany in 2014, France in 2018) or reached the final (Croatia in 2018).
“I love my squad. Yazid Aldakheel told CNN this is one of the wildest games he’s ever seen. Beating Argentina, a top team, is a dream. Beating Argentina is a different universe from playing in the World Cup.
Argentina plays Mexico on Saturday, while Saudi Arabia faces Poland.
Unscored games
Christian Eriksen returned to international football as Denmark drew 0-0 with Tunisia in Group D.
The Manchester United midfielder fainted on the pitch at the European Championships last June and his comeback is extraordinary.
Tens of thousands of supporters cheered Tunisia to a point. Second-half Denmark improved and had a goal called out for offside before Andreas Cornelius hit the post.
Danish penalty appeal was also denied.
Tuesday’s goalless match was likewise dramatic.
Robert Lewandowski’s penalty was saved as Poland tied Mexico 0-0.
Guillermo Ochoa saved the forward’s penalty after Hector Moreno pulled him down in the second half.
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