World Cup 2022: Saudi Arabia ends Argentina’s 36-game unbeaten run by 2:1

With a thrilling comeback victory over two-time champions Argentina in Group C’s opening match in Lusail, brave and brilliant Saudi Arabia pulled off one of the World Cup’s biggest upsets.

With Lionel Messi’s first-half goal from the penalty spot and Argentina’s subsequent three goals being disallowed for offside, Saudi Arabia, ranked 51st in the world, might have been knocked out early on.

But in a dramatic 10-minute stretch after the break, Saudi Arabia turned the game around, with Saleh Al-Shehri leveling it with a poor effort and Salem Al Dawsari giving them the lead to cause chaos in the fans.

After displaying their ruthlessness on one end, the Green Falcons showed their toughness on the other, fending off an outstanding Argentina front line to record just their fourth World Cup victory in history and open up the group.

Argentina, led by Lionel Scaloni, entered the competition as one of the favorites after going 36 games without losing, which included winning the 2021 Copa America.

They now have to do everything they can to maintain their chances of achieving their first global triumph since 1986 and give Messi a deserving cap to what will likely be his final World Cup.

On Saturday, they play Mexico, and Saudi Arabia plays Poland.