Argentina suffers shocking loss to Saudi Arabia

It was an exciting first match at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Tuesday when Argentina was shocked by Saudi Arabia in a 2-1 comeback victory.

The Green Falcons went behind in the game thanks to a Lionel Messi penalty in the 10th minute.

However, the South American champions, who won the 2021 Copa America and were on a 36-match unbeaten run, were denied further goals in the first half thanks to the VAR for offside.

Tides changed in the second half as the Asians started the second period on fire, scoring two quick goals in five second-half minutes.

Saleh Al Shehri and a brilliant individual effort from Salem Al Dawsari stunned the Argentines, and Saudi Arabia locked shops.

All efforts by Argentina to score the equalizer proved abortive as Harvey Renard oversaw one of the most shocking upsets at the World Cup.

The result also means that they are the first team outside Europe to beat them at the world cup since Cameroon did in 1990.

Meanwhile, Argentina will face Mexico in the next group-stage game on Saturday, while Saudi Arabia hopes to seal qualification to the next round with a victory over Poland.

Poland and Mexico played out a 0-0 draw earlier in the day as Robert Lewandowski continued his goalless streak at the World Cup after missing a penalty during the game.

The final action of Tuesday saw France beat Australia 4-1, with Rabiot, Olivier Giroud, and Kylian Mbappe on the scoresheet.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the action continues at the World Cup when Morocco faces Croatia in the first game of the day.

Germany and Japan will clash in the second game of the day. Spain will face Costa Rica, and the final match of the day will see Belgium play against Canada.

 

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu