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Messy start for Argentina as minnows Saudi Arabia upset giants

World Cup

Second-lowest ranked team, Saudi Arabia, shocks favorites Argentina in World Cup Group C opening fixture as record 36-game unbeaten run is shattered.

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Argentina opened the scoring in their opening fixture at the 2022 Qatar World Cup through a 10th-minute penalty, calmly slotting the ball to the Saudi keeper’s left-hand side. Saudi Arabia’s goalkeeper, Mohammed Khalil Al Owais, was wrong-footed by the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Lionel Messi opens his account at the 2022 Qatar World Cup (Photo: GETTY IMAGES/CATHERINE IVILL)
Lionel Messi opens his account at the 2022 Qatar World Cup (Photo: GETTY IMAGES/CATHERINE IVILL)

Saudi Arabia used high-line tactics in the first half. This proved vital in keeping Argentina at bay. Argentina had the ball in the back of the net three times, but only one counted.

Argentina dominated the first half, with several disallowed goals. 26 minutes from kickoff, Lisandro Martinez’s goal was chopped off by VAR for offside.

Lisandro Martinez's disallowed goal at the opening fixture for Argentina -2022 Qatar World Cup (REUTERS/HANNAH MCKAY)
Lisandro Martinez’s disallowed goal at the opening fixture for Argentina -2022 Qatar World Cup (REUTERS/HANNAH MCKAY)

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Second Half

What a turnaround! Saudi Arabia equalize and lead in just 10 minutes. Astonishing.  🤯 

Saudi Arabia’s Al Shehri opens the scoring in the 48th minute with a low shot across the goal. Too hot to handle.  🥵 

Brilliant individual skill from Al Dawsari, bending a shot in the far top corner, handing the lead to the second-lowest ranked team at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Saudi Arabia Head Coach Hervé Renard during his unveiling in August 2019 (Photo: Courtesy)
Saudi Arabia Head Coach Hervé Renard during his unveiling in August 2019 (Photo: Courtesy)

According to Transfermrkt, Argentina’s squad has a market value of €645.20m, whereas Saudi Arabia have a squad market value of €25.2m. However, Former Zambia coach Hervé Renard has definitely put his mark on the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations champion has handed Argentina a major blow, losing their 36-match unbeaten run at the hands, or rather, feet of Saudi Arabia.  🥶 

Read Also: Ksh 730M More for 2022 World Cup Champions

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