Saudi Arabia make history in the World Cup 2022 by defeating Argentina 2-1 - GulfToday

Saudi Arabia make history in the World Cup 2022 by defeating Argentina 2-1

Saudi-beat-Argentina-750x450

Saudi Arabia fans celebrate after FIFA World Cup 2022 match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at Marsool Park Stadium in Riyadh. Reuters

Saudi Arabia stunned Lionel Messi's Argentina on Tuesday, beating the two-time winners 2-1 in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.

Messi gave the Copa America holders an early lead from the penalty spot but Saleh Al-Shehri equalised early in the second half and Salem Al-Dawsari struck a sensational winner.

Argentina, who were one of the favourites to win the World Cup, would have equalled Italy's record of 37 matches unbeaten had they avoided defeat in the Lusail Stadium.

Saudi Arabia are ranked 51st in the FIFA world rankings.

Starting line-ups in the Group C World Cup group stage match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia in Doha's Lusail stadium on Tuesday (kick-off 1000 GMT):

Argentina (4-3-3):

Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alejandro Gomez; Lionel Messi (capt), Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria

Coach: Lionel Scaloni

Saudi Arabia (4-3-3):

Arg-SA-WC-Nov22-main2-750
Saudi Arabia's fans celebrate prior the World Cup group C soccer match in Lusail, Qatar, on Tuesday. AP

Mohammed Al-Owais; Saud Abdulhamid, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Ali Al-Bulayhi, Yasser Al-Shahrani; Mohamed Kanno, Abdulelah Al-Malki, Salman Al-Faraj (capt); Salem Al-Dawsari, Firas Al-Brikan, Saleh Al-Shehri

Coach: Herve Renard (FRA)

Referee: Slavko Vincic (SLO)

Agence France-Press

Related articles