Caitlin Dillon
Saudi Arabia stunned Argentina in the first Group C match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, beating the side, previously unbeaten in 36 matches, 2-1.
Argentina pushed early, and should’ve got ahead within the first two minutes as the ball made its way down the right to Angel Di Maria, who flicked it to Lionel Messi’s left foot. Messi shot, but the ball found a diving Mohammed Al-Owais.
After eight minutes, Slavko Vincic consulted VAR because of a potential foul by Saud Abdelhamid on Leandro Paredes and a penalty was awarded to Argentina. Messi stepped up, with Al-Owais committing early and diving right as Messi shot left, putting his side 1-0 ahead.
28 minutes in Lautaro Martinez has a chance to double his side’s lead clipping a sublime finish into the back of the net, but VAR overruled the goal for offside.
Just seven minutes later, the Albicelestes were punished yet again for their high line, as Martinez had yet another goal disallowed for offside at the end of the first half.
An energised Saudi Arabian squad returned to the pitch for the second half, taking possession in the midfield, as Saleh Al-Shehri took an excellent touch, escaping Cristian Romero before guiding the ball through the defender’s legs, past Damian Martinez and into the corner of the goal as Lusail stadium erupted.
Just five minutes later, Abdulhamid found Al-Abed down the right, as Al-Dawsari dipped in from the left and shot, with Martinez only able to get a finger to the ball headed straight for the top corner as Saudi Arabia doubled their lead and the crowd was left in disbelief.
Following Saudi’s second goal Argentina made a triple substitution to field a more attacking 11 - Saudi responded by sitting deeper.
Eight minutes’ added time were added and Saudi Arabia defended well - so much so that Argentina appeared to have almost given up - until a shot on goal brought Al-Owais leaping off of his line. His knee collided full-force with Aldawsari’s face, as medics rushed on to treat him and Al-Burayk prepared to replace him for the remaining few minutes. During this time, Argentina appeared to have a second wind, giving Al-Owais, spurred on by the guilt of the previous incident, plenty of opportunity to display his goalkeeping prowess.
After what felt like an eternity, the final whistle was blown and the biggest upset in World Cup history was complete. Saudi Arabia had successfully stunned Lionel Messi’s Argentina, and in turn, topped group C. Later tonight, we will see Mexico take on Poland at Stadium 974 in the second Group C match of the tournament.