Agentina 1 – 2 Saudi Arabia: Shehri, Dawsari strike in second half to stun Argentina in opening fixture
When the world cup started, eveyone knew that there would be some upsets. But nobody expected to ecounter them on the very third match day.
Yes, one of the biggest upset has taken place in the FIFA World Cup 2022, as Saudi Arabia had stunned South American champions Argentina.
The Asian team stuck two goal in quick succession to win the game by 2-1.
With this victory, they have broken the 36-match unbeaten run of Argentina.
Off-side Marred First Half for Argentina
Lionel Messi had the perfect start to the campaign as he put a goal into the net in the 10th minute of the game from the spot. A silly bit of defending on KSA’s part handed Argentina a penalty. And Messi made no mistake to make it 1-0.
With this goal the little magician became the first Argentine to score in 4 different FIFA World Cup Finals.
The rest of the first half was marred for Argentina by offside calls. They were able to put the ball in the back of the net on three occasions. But all of them were ruled as offside.
These attempts included a brilliant run from Messi. And two cheeky finishes by Lautaro Martinez. At the end of first half, Argentina walked into the tunnel slightly ahead and unprepared for what was about to follow in second half.
Saudi Arabia started the second half like a completely different side. For a team that had no strikes on target in the first half, they scored two goals in no time.
Saudi Arabia hand Argentina an upset in opening fixture
The first goal came in the 48th minute of the game. It was a perfect run by Shehri picked by Al Brikan on the right time. And the finish was just inch perfect inside the far post.
It definitely stunned Argentina and their iron clad defense looked shaken. That is when Saudi Arabia struck again just 5 minutes apart. This time it was a brilliant solo effort by Salem Al Dawsari.
Saudi Arabia was able to hold out the lead in the dying ambers of the game. Handing Argentina, a humiliating defeat in the opening fixture of their world cup finals.
With this loss their unbeaten streak of 36 games unbeaten also comes to an end.
The Messi and Co. have a lot to think about if they are to progress in this tournament. They seemed to be a one trick pony on the field. And this approach needs to change if they are to go deep into the tournament.
