2022 World Cup: Saudi Arabia stun Argentina in huge upset

Saudi Arabia surprise Argentina with a 2-1 win in Group C opener at the Lusail Stadiun.

After Argentina took an early first half lead through a Lionel Messi penalty, the Saudis hit hard early in the second half.

Goals from Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari eight minutes after halftime were enough to seal the match for the Asian side.

Having shown their ruthlessness at one end, the Green Falcons demonstrated a ruggedness at the other, holding a stellar Argentina front line at bay to secure only their fourth World Cup win in history and throw the group wide open.

Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina came into the tournament among the favourites, on the back of a 36-game unbeaten run that included winning the 2021 Copa America.

They now have it all to do to keep alive their hopes of a first global triumph since 1986 and give Messi a fitting ending to what is very likely his World Cup swansong.

They face Mexico on Saturday, while Saudi Arabia take on Poland.