Argentina surprised as Saudi Arabia declare World Cup win

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Lionel Messi’s facet suffered one of many nice event shocks on Tuesday

Lionel Messi’s hopes of profitable what’s prone to be the ultimate FIFA World Cup of his profession suffered a major blow in Argentina’s opening Group C fixture on Tuesday because the South People have been surprised by Saudi Arabia in one of many largest upsets within the event’s lengthy historical past.

The early indicators had steered that the sport would observe the anticipated script of a complete Argentina win when Messi opened his account in Qatar by slotting residence a 10th minute penalty – and the floodgates regarded sure to open because the Copa America champions had a outstanding three targets disallowed within the opening 45 minutes.

The momentum rapidly turned within the second half with two targets within the area of 5 minutes from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari, which put Saudi Arabia into an unlikely lead.

Regardless of Argentina pouring ahead throughout greater than 13 minutes of harm time, the Inexperienced Falcons held on to say one of the crucial outstanding victories ever seen on soccer’s largest stage.

Saudi Arabia’s relentlessly energetic efficiency was made much more outstanding provided that the win ended the second-longest unbeaten streak ever seen in worldwide soccer. Argentina had not tasted defeat since July 2019 – a span of 36 matches which included final 12 months’s Copa America.

However for all of their endeavor up entrance, the Saudi efficiency was simply as notable for the ruggedness displayed in proscribing Argentina’s star-studded assault.

Lionel Messi got here near an equalizer late on however his header was repelled by the excellent Mohammed Al-Owais, who was a relentless thorn in Argentina’s facet all through.

Nevertheless, even a participant of Messi’s undoubted skills appeared powerless to beat a heroic Saudi defensive efficiency because the clock ticked in direction of 90 minutes.

Regardless of the addition of 13 minutes of harm time, an more and more listless Argentina couldn’t penetrate the spectacular Saudi backline in what was a disastrous outcome for Lionel Scaloni’s males, and certain the largest upset seen in a World Cup since Argentina’s 1-Zero defeat to Cameroon in 1990 or Northern Eire’s unlikely win in opposition to Spain in 1982.

After arriving in Qatar among the many favorites to raise the trophy, Argentina now face a battle simply to emerge from their group – and can now focus their consideration on what has develop into a must-win sport in opposition to Mexico on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia, in the meantime, can safe qualification from Group C with a win in opposition to Poland on the identical day.