Lusail, Qatar
CNN
—
Saudi Arabia produced one of many largest upsets in World Cup historical past Tuesday, beating Lionel Messi’s Argentina 2-1 in an astonishing Group C match.
Many had anticipated the South American workforce, ranked third on the planet, unbeaten for 3 years and among the many favorites to win the match, to brush apart its opponent, ranked 48 locations under it on the planet rankings.
All of the pre-match speak centered on Messi, one of many best gamers ever who’s enjoying in what’s more likely to be his final World Cup. The Argentina captain scored an early penalty to place his aspect within the lead, however two second-half targets from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari turned the sport on its head.
The hundreds of Saudi followers contained in the Lusail Stadium couldn’t consider what they have been watching as they celebrated their surprising victory.
Such a comeback hadn’t seemed remotely attainable for a lot of the match. Argentina managed the sport after taking the lead however no matter Saudi manger Hervé Renard mentioned at halftime labored. His workforce got here out with a new-found perception and stood toe-to-toe with Argentina’s world-class workforce.
Al Dawsari’s unbelievable winner from distance – and subsequent acrobatic celebration – will turn out to be one of many moments of this or any World Cup and undoubtedly, in time, an ‘I-was-there’ second for followers.
As full-time neared, followers cheered each deal with and save as in the event that they have been targets and, when the match did certainly finish, Saudi Arabia followers reacted with frenzy.
Each units of gamers sunk to their knees, from disbelief and exhaustion. Messi, who so many had come see play, seemed distraught as he walked off with Saudi followers cheering his identify satirically.
In accordance with sports activities information group Gracenote, which is a Nielsen firm, Tuesday’s consequence was the most important upset within the historical past of the competitors.
“Probably the most shocking World Cup win ever in accordance with Gracenote was USA’s victory over England in 1950 with a 9.5% likelihood of victory for the US workforce however Saudi Arabia’s likelihood of victory immediately was estimated at 8.7% so takes over at primary,” it mentioned in an announcement.
As a lot as this was a historic win for Saudi Arabia, it was a humiliating defeat for Argentina who capitulated on the most important stage.
Saudi gamers smiled and laughed with reporters as they left the stadium, a stark distinction to the Argentine squad who walked with their heads down onto the workforce bus. Messi was one of many few to cease and communicate to journalists and even stopped for photographs.
There was additionally extra excellent news for Saudi followers who consider in a contact of future.
The final three groups to beat Argentina at a World Cup both went on to win the competitors – Germany and France in 2014 and 2018 respectively – or attain the ultimate – Croatia 2018.
“I’m feeling very happy with my workforce. This is among the craziest video games I’ve seen in my entire life,” fan Yazid Aldakheel instructed CNN. “Beating Argentina, among the best groups on the planet, it’s like a dream.
“Enjoying within the World Cup is sweet, beating Argentina is one thing else, it’s a special world.”
Argentina will hope to recuperate in opposition to Mexico in its subsequent group match on Saturday, whereas Saudi Arabia faces Poland.
