Shock and disbelief enveloped Argentina fans as Saudi Arabia pulled one of the greatest football upset coming from behind to beat the two-time winners 2-1 at the Lusail Stadium.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 10th minute from the penalty spot and despite dominate possession they failed to increase their goal tally in the first half. Argentina though had three goals disallowed by offside calls, they Saudis played a risky high-line of defence.
In the second half Saudi Arabia came out from their shell and attacked and were rewarded with an instant goal scored by Saleh Al-Shehri in the 48th minute and five minutes later Salem Al-Dawsari hit a stunning winner to sink the red-hot favourites, bringing the South American side’s 36-match unbeaten run to a shuddering halt. Even Messi himself saw the beauty of the goal.
The Saudi retreated to their defensive shell and had goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais to thank for pulling some saves to keep them in the game. Argentina threw in everything they had but the time was ticking.
The crowd was going wild and Hassan Al-Tambakti punched the air in delight after his desperate sliding tackle denied Messi a clear shot at goal.
Every Al-Owais save, including a point-blank block from Nicolas Tagliafico’s close-range prod, was greeted with rapturous cheers.
There was late drama after Al-Owais collided with Yasser Al-Shahrani and seemed to knock him out as his knee struck the defender’s head.
