ABU DHABI, November 22: A bold and brilliant performance by Saudi Arabia helped the Green Falcons pull off one of the World Cup's biggest shock victories as they came from behind to upset two-time winners Argentina in their Group C opener at Lusail Stadium on Tuesday.
According to the BBC, Saudi Arabia, ranked 51st in the world, could have been done and dusted in the first half as Lionel Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Argentina had three goals ruled out for offside.
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“But Saudi Arabia flipped the game on its head in a stunning 10-minute period after half-time, Saleh Al-Shehri levelling with a low effort and Salem Al Dawsari firing them ahead to spark pandemonium in the stands,” added the BBC.
Despite plenty of possession after that, Argentina were unable to penetrate Saudi Arabia, who were competing in their sixth World Cup but had never previously won an opening game, Reuters reported.
According to the news agency, 35-year-old Messi is in a quest for the only major trophy which has eluded him for the fifth and final time.
Lionel Scaloni's Argentina came into the tournament among the favourites, on the back of a 36-game unbeaten run that included winning the 2021 Copa America, added the BBC.
“They now have it all to do to keep alive their hopes of a first global triumph since 1986 and give Messi a fitting ending to what is very likely his World Cup swansong.”
