Argentina, one of the 2022 World Cup favourites, suffered one of the biggest shocks of the tournament on Tuesday, as Saudi Arabia came from behind to win 2-1 in front of 88,012 fans at Lusail Stadium. La Albiceleste took a 10th-minute lead from the penalty spot thanks to Lionel Messi’s penalty kick.
However, two goals early in the second half, including an outstanding strike from Salem Al-Dawsari, turned the game on its head and left the Albiceleste with little margin for error in their remaining Group C games against Mexico and Poland.
Argentina were on course to match Italy’s record unbeaten run of 37 games when Messi’s spot-kick was awarded following a VAR review for pushing and shoving in the box. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is competing in his fifth World Cup, beat Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais on a breakaway. Nevertheless, that goal, as well as two others by Lautaro Martinez, were ruled offside as Saudi Arabia’s high defensive line held firm.
In the 48th minute, Saleh Al-Shehri fired a low shot, and in the 53rd minute, Al-Dawsari curled in a scorching strike from the edge of the penalty area, leaving Argentina stunned.
Despite having plenty of possession after that, Argentina were unable to break down Saudi Arabia, who were competing in their sixth World Cup but had never won an opening game before.
When Martinez’s shot deflected off Nicolas Tagliafico, Al-Owais saved well at point-blank range to deny Argentina, but Lionel Scaloni’s side, which has four players older than 34 in their starting XI, looked tired in the final 30 minutes.
The game was delayed after a nasty collision between Al-Owais and defender Yasser Al Shahrani, which resulted in Al Shahrani leaving the pitch on a stretcher as Saudi Arabia, the tournament’s second-lowest-ranked team, closed in on a famous victory.
