Saudi Arabia End Argentina’s 36-Game Unbeaten Run With Huge World Cup Shock In Qatar. Saudi Arabia caused one of the biggest shocks in FIFA World Cup history by coming from behind to beat Argentina 2-1 in their Group C opener. The Associated Press has the story:
World Cup: Saudi Arabia beats Messi’s Argentina 2-1
Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al-Dawsari celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the World Cup group C soccer match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)
Messi’s quest to win the one major title to elude him got off to a shocking start and brought back memories of Cameroon’s 1-0 win over an Argentina team led by Diego Maradona in the opening game of the 1990 World Cup.
Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al-Dawsari, right, celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the World Cup group C soccer match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Goals by Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari in a five-minute span in the second half gave the Saudis their greatest win. Messi rolled in a penalty to give Argentina a 10th-minute lead.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi reacts disappointed during the World Cup group C soccer match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
This also rivals shocking results such as Senegal beating then-titleholder France 1-0 in the 2002 tournament opener and the United States stunning England by the same score in 1950.
Saudi Arabia fans celebrating after their team scored during the World Cup group C soccer match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Argentina were tipped as one of the pre-tournament favorites 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 world.
Saudi Arabia has equalized! Saleh Alshehri with the goal to make it 1–1 vs. Argentina!
Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring from the penalty spot his side’s opening goal during the World Cup group C soccer match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz)
Argentina’s Lionel Messi kicks the ball during the World Cup group C soccer match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz)
Saudi Arabia then stung Argentina with two quickfire goals shortly after half-time.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal during the World Cup group C soccer match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Saleh Al-Shehri got the first with a precise low drive from a difficult angle after getting the better of Tottenham center-back Cristian Romero.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi, second right, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s first goal during the World Cup group C soccer match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
The turnaround was complete in the 53rd minute when Salem Al Dawsari found the top corner with a swerving strike from the edge of the 18-yard box.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi reacts during the World Cup group C soccer match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
