Saudi Arabia registered one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history as they stunned Argentina.
In a match that will be recalled as long as the World Cup is played, they came from behind against all the odds to beat one of the tournament favourites as Lionel Messi’s final campaign began in disastrous fashion.
Argentina had been by far the better side before half-time, taking the lead thanks to Lionel Messi’s early penalty awarded thanks to VAR.
They had three other goals ruled out for offside calls picked up by the automated system before half-time as Saudi’s high defensive line just about held.
But they then left Argentina on the floor with two goals in the opening eight minutes of the second period.
Saleh Al-Shehri drew them level stole a yard on Cristian Romero to fire across goal and equalise.
Then, Salem Al-Dawsari worked space to shoot inside the box to pick out the top corner as Argentina’s defence was breached again.
A heroic defensive performance then saw Saudi Arabia to one of the World Cup’s most famous results.
Full report to follow.
The party just getting started!
I think some of those Saudi fans are in absolute disbelief. The most famous result in their footballing history, for sure.
Not a fatal blow for Argentina, of course, but certainly plenty for them to think about. Certainly, nobody saw that coming at half-time but they were stunned after the break.
FULL-TIME: Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
The 2022 World Cup has well and truly exploded into life now!