EKO HOT BLOG reports that Saudi Arabia caused one of the biggest shocks in FIFA World Cup history after coming from behind to beat Argentina in their Group C opener.
Argentina were tipped as one of the pre-tournament favourites to go all the way in Qatar – and they still might – but very few foresaw Lionel Messi and Co slipping up against the team ranked 51st in the world.
A Saudi Arabia victory looked even less likely after Lionel Messi put Argentina 1-0 up with a 10th-minute penalty following a foul by Saud Abdulhamid on Leandro Paredes.
Argentina dominated possession for the rest of the contest but Saudi Arabia defended well and denied Messi and Co many clear chances.
When Argentina did break through the Saudi defense, goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais was on hand to make four priceless saves.
Al-Owais was visibly upset at the end of the game though, having caught teammate Yasir Al Shahrani in his face with a flying knee.
Al Shahrani left the field on a stretcher but Saudi Arabia held on for only their fourth victory at a FIFA World Cup – this was their 16th game at a finals tournament.
The result also brought to an end Argentina’s run of 36 games without defeat. They had not lost a game of soccer since July 2019 when Brazil knocked them out of the Copa America.
The pressure will now be on Argentina to beat Mexico and Poland in order to progress from Group C.
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