Joseph Isokpehi Reporting..
Bookmakers were on Tuesday proved wrong, after the number 53 ranked team in the world by FIFA at the ongoing world cup in Qatar, ended Argentina 36 game unbeaten run following a 2-1 win over the World cup favourites in a Group C opener.
Saudi Arabia, the second lowest ranked country in Qatar, made their opponents Argentina look ordinary in the second half of the match now tagged the biggest upset in world football today.
The Copa America cup holders, went into the first half break 1-0 up from a Lionel Messi 10th minute Penalty after Saud Abdulhamid wrestled Leandro Paredes to the ground in the box. the South American had three goals ruled out for offside. Messi saw a second goal cancelled, while Lautaro Martinez also had two efforts ruled out by VAR.
Saudi Arabia fought back terrifically in the second half, as Saleh Al- Shehri levelled up in the 48th minute after his low-footed strike went beyond Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez into the bottom right corner, and added the winner in the 55th minute when Salem Al-Dawsari fiercely struck proved too hot for Martinez to handle.
Truth Live News on live commentary reported that Argentina did all they could to salvage a point but to no avail against a resilient Saudi Arabia managed by Coach Herve Renard who won two Afcon titles with Zambia in 2012 and 2015 with Ivory Coast.
Coach Lionel Scaloni will now concentrate on their next game against Mexico on Saturday and will need all three points to remain in the tournament. Meanwhile, football pundits believe Argentina who are slow starters in situations like this can still make it out of the group.
Saudi Arabia who are making their sixth world cup appearance will go into their next game on Saturday against Poland with much confidence knowing a win will see them through to the next stage of the tournament.
Saudi Arabia’s best performance was during their debut at the 1994 world cup in the USA were they reached the round of 16 and goalkeeper Al Owais was named man-of-match.