Saudi Arabia has defied all odds to beat Lionel Messi’s Argentina 2 – 1 in their opening match at the Lusail stadium in the ongoing World Cup in Qatar, causing one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.
The 33/1 outsiders, 53rd in the FIFA world rankings, fell behind to Messi’s 10th-minute penalty, following a VAR check, and survived three disallowed goals (all for offside) to reach half-time trailing by a single goal.
Saleh Al-Shehri struck an equalizer three minutes after the break with their first shot of the match.
Salem Al-dawsari was Saudi’s brightest player throughout the game. He fired them to winning position five minutes later to stun their opponents.
Argentina face a battle to stay in the tournament with tricky fixtures against in Poland and Mexico to come in Group C.
The World Cup shocker came in Lionel Messi’s widely anticipated fifth and likely last attempt to win the World Cup.
This Argentina team came into this tournament on the back of 35 straight wins.
In Brazil last year, it ended its 20-year wait for an international trophy. Its preparations for the World Cup have been surprisingly serene.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
