QATAR 2022 WORLD CUP: Saudi Arabia Beat Argentina 2 – 1 to Launch Group C
By Samson Adeyemo
Saudi Arabia pulled off one of the biggest offsets and shocks World Cup history as they came from one goal deficit behind to bruise two-time winners Argentina in a fantastic Group C opener in Lusail.
Argentina, ranked 3rd in the world is widely considered one of the favourites to win the World Cup in Qatar, but a shocking 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia, ranked 51st in the world, in their opening group game sees their place in the competition already under threat.
Seven time Ballon D’ior winner and Captain of the Argentina National team Lionel Messi, who is playing in his final World Cup, gave a consolation statement to the reporters after the shock defeat: “It is a moment to be more united than ever.”
Lionel Messi opened the scoring at Lusail Stadium from the penalty spot in the tenth minute, Lionel Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Argentina had three goals ruled out for offside,
but fine goals from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari in the fourty eight and fifty third minute, saw Saudi Arabia produce the biggest win in their nation’s history.
Argentina, who witnessed their 36-match unbeaten run come to an end, must now beat Mexico in their next Group C match if they must survive the group or risk being knocked out of the group stage of the World Cup.
Reacting to the Saudi Arabia defeat after the match, the Paris Saint-Germain forward playing in his last World Cup has called for unity amongst the Argentina players and staff.
“It is a moment to be more united than ever,” he said. “We did not expect this but it depends on us.
“We knew that they would be playing like that, we were a little bit rushed, we never ended up feeling comfortable as we have been doing. We knew that they will be holding the line well.
“Sometimes the game takes hold of you and seeing so much space, you end up doing things you can’t change.”
To celebrate the victory, Saudi Arabia have declared a national holiday following their shock 2-1 win over tournament favourites Argentina in their Group C opener at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday, at the ongoing 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
