Argentina took on Saudi Arabia in Tuesday's early 2022 FIFA World Cup kick-off, and despite everyone predicting the South American giants to thrash their opponents, the Middle Eastern side pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the century!
La Albiceleste went 1-0 up after only 10 minutes, with none other than Lionel Messi giving the Copa America winners the lead courtesy of a penalty. However, the two-time World Cup champions could have–and probably should have–scored more in the first half, with the Argentines seeing three other goals ruled out for offside.
And as a result, with a mere one-goal lead heading into the break, Lionel Scaloni's men entered the second half knowing things could easily get complicated. Lo and behold, three minutes after the break, Saleh Al-Shehri equalized for the Green Falcons to breathe life back into the game. Five minutes later, everyone's jaws dropped to the floor as Saudi Arabia scored a brilliant goal to go 2-1 up.
This time, Salem Al-Dawsari provided the moment of magic, with the Al-Hilal winger beating a few Argentines before whipping in an unstoppable shot into the top corner. From then on, it became a question of whether Messi and Co. could break down Hervé Renard's side.
The answer was no. Breathtaking displays from Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais and his defense prevented the likes of Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria, Julian Alvarez, and even Argentina's seven-time Ballon d'Or winner from having a sniff at goal.
And when the full-time whistle arrived, the entire stadium burst into a roar as the crowd celebrated what some are describing as the biggest upset in FIFA World Cup history. Given that La Albiceleste are one of the favorites for the title while Saudi Arabia are ranked outside the top 50, it is easy to understand why.
Not only was this a major upset, but Salem Al-Dawsari and Co. also reached a number of milestones. First of all, the Gulf nation ended the South American giants' impressive 36-game unbeaten streak, which is a huge shock as many expected the Argentines to break Italy's record for the longest unbeaten run in international football (37). Additionally, the Green Falcons became the first Asian team in history to score more than one goal against La Albiceleste in FIFA World Cup history.
"The Saudi national team is the first Asian team to score against Argentina with more than one goal in the history of the World Cup"
2 - المنتخب السعودي أول منتخب آسيوي يهز شباك الأرجنتين بأكثر من هدف في تاريخ كأس العالم. إبداع. pic.twitter.com/W93unUtL9p
— OptaArabi (@OptaArabi) November 22, 2022
WDWDWWDWWDWDDDWWWWDWWDWWWDWWWDWWWW
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) November 22, 2022
Saudi Arabia Argentina's 36-game unbeaten streak. #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/fEFnr3ynUR
RANKED OUTSIDE THE TOP 50
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) November 22, 2022
SAUDI ARABIA HAVE RUINED THE ARGENTINA PARTY pic.twitter.com/0NcpfSkUpZ
This is Saudi Arabia's first World Cup win since 1994 pic.twitter.com/fQOnbmsH9F
— 433 (@433) November 22, 2022
ONE OF THE BIGGEST SHOCKS IN WORLD CUP HISTORY
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) November 22, 2022
Argentina's 36 match unbeaten run is over at the hands of Saudi Arabia! pic.twitter.com/rbqQtbenUo
USA v England in 1950.
— bet365 (@bet365) November 22, 2022
North Korea v Italy in 1966.
Cameroon v Argentina in 1990.
Bulgaria v Germany in 1994.
Senegal v France in 2002.
Saudi Arabia v Argentina in 2022.
The World Cup has seen some historic upsets over the years.
This is right up there.#ARGKSA pic.twitter.com/MfXyGYkIjF
That is one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. Extraordinary performance from Saudi Arabia.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 22, 2022
Won the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 22, 2022
Won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast.
Leads Saudi Arabia to a surprise victory over Argentina in the 2022 World Cup.
It's time to familiarise yourself with the tactical genius that is coach Herve Renard pic.twitter.com/ynJ3XYpbjt
This was also the first time Argentina have lost a game in which Messi scored since going down to Spain in 2009. The question for Scaloni's side is whether they can quickly turn this around in order to avoid the worst-case scenario: a group-stage exit in Leo's final World Cup. Next up for them is showdowns with Mexico and Poland, which are now must-win games for the South Americans.