Mayes Yousef
Argentina v Saudi Arabia Preview
The opening match of Group C at this year’ FIFA World Cup will see Argentina take on Saudi Arabia, at Lusail Stadium.
Saudi Arabia is appearing in their sixth World Cup. Argentina won the tournament twice, once in 1978 and then again in 1986. They’re also a favourite to win this edition.
Argentina and Saudi Arabia have played each other four times. Their third clash was the first FIFA Confederations Cup final in 1992, where Argentina went on to win that match. they last met in 2012, where the match ended in a 0-0 draw; it was a friendly.
Argentina’s playing in the World Cup finals for the 18th time, Saudi Arabia for they’re second in a row. Saudi Arabia lost they’re opening match against hosts Russia in the 2018 World Cup.
Argentina were crowned champions of Copa America in 2021, beating hosts Brazil at the famous Maracana Stadium, which hosted 15 World Cup matches, including two World Cup finals in 1950 and 2014.
Lionel Messi’s looking to take home the coveted trophy for Argentina once more, as this will undoubtedly be his last World Cup appearance. Messi has denied injury rumors, as he prepares for his fifth World Cup appearance.
Argentina haven’t lost their last 36 games; Saudi Arabia’s won two of their last 10.
The match kicks-off at 13:00 Doha time.
Argentina line-up: Emiliano Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Alejandro Gomez, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria.
Saudi line-up: Mohamed Al-Owais, Ali Al-Bulaihi, Yasser Al-Shahrani, Mohamed Kanno, Saud Abdulhamid, Abdulelah Al-Malki, Saleh Al-Shehri, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Salman Al-Faraj, Salem Al-Dawsari, Firas Al-Buraikan.