Saudi Arabia came from behind to beat Argentina 2-1 in their Group C opener on Tuesday.
World Cup 2022 group C highlights: Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia, one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.
Argentina looked like they would cruise to victory when Messi slotted home from 12 yards early on, yet their 36-game unbeaten run came to a crashing halt, all in matters of minutes to the second half.
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Game highlights
La Albiceleste, who are one of the favourites to triumph at Qatar 2022, started well at Lusail Stadium and went ahead after 10 minutes courtesy of Lionel Messi’s penalty.
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With this one, Argentina’s skipper became the first player to score in four different World Cup tournaments for Argentina.
Minutes later, Messi and Lautaro Martinez had a hat-trick of goals ruled out, all for offside.
Little does anyone not know, this is a sign of something big coming after the break.
Second half started with a shock, as Saudi Arabia pulled level by taking advantage of Messi’s losing the ball at midfield.
Al Shehri powering past Cristian Romero and flashing a low shot into Emiliano Martinez’s far corner – their first shot three minutes into the second half.
Five minutes later, Al Dawsari completed the comeback by a sumptuous strike to beat Martinez again, this time the ball hit the top corner, leaving the keeper no chance to save.
Those quick-fire strikes from Al Shehri and Al Dawsari secured just a fourth World Cup win for Saudi Arabia and ensured Argentina will need to do it the hard way if they are to progress to the knockout stages.
Angel di Maria and Messi fought hard to find the equalizer which never came. Saudi Arabia’s goal stood still thanks to their keeper Mohammed Alowais.
The keeper pulled a heroic game with 5 saves and earned the Player of the match title.
Saudi Arabia announce public holiday after beating Argentina
