Saudi King Salman declared a holiday for all public and private employees on Wednesday following the country’s 2-1 victory over Argentina in their FIFA World Cup opener.
After conceding an early Lionel Messi penalty, Saudi Arabia produced one of the greatest World Cup upsets thanks to a Saleh Al-Shehri equaliser and a sublime Salem Al-Dawsari winner at Doha’s Lusail Stadium. Saudi Arabia ended Argentina’s 36-match unbeaten streak, which included a Copa America 2021 title.
After the final whistle, fans formed impromptu dance circles and waved the sword-emblazoned national flag from the windows of speeding cars throughout the capital Riyadh.
The government declared a public holiday for all state employees “and the private sector, as well as male and female students at all educational levels” on Tuesday evening. Schools will also be closed. The decision comes in the midst of final exams in the Gulf country, implying that they will have to be rescheduled.
La Albiceleste got off to a flying start when Messi converted a penalty in the 10th minute to put his team ahead. The PSG striker scored against Mohammed Al-Owais in his fifth World Cup appearance. The second half was a completely different story, as the Saudi Arabian team came out with renewed vigour, with Al-Shehri scoring a goal to tie the game at 1-1.
Five minutes later, they took the lead when Al-Dawsari scored in the 53rd minute. Despite dominating possession after conceding the goal, the two-time champions were unable to equalise. Al-Owais made several crucial saves, and their defence held firm in the final moments of the game.
Cameroon made a similar announcement during the 1990 World Cup in Italy when the underdog African team defeated Argentina and declared a public holiday the following day.
Before pulling off the upset, Saudi Arabia had only won three World Cup matches in its history. The Green Falcons will play Poland on Saturday and Mexico the following Tuesday in Group C.
