- Argentina dramatically lost its opening match in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar against Saudi Arabia 1-2.
- The Saudis convert the difference after the break with two goals in 5 minutes in the final of Lusail Stadium and celebrate their fourth victory in the World Cup finals.
- 3 (!) Argentina goals were disallowed for offside before the end of the first half.
After 14 minutes of stoppage time in the second half, the feeling was perfect: Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 2-1 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in front of 88,000 spectators, thus causing the first surprise in this year’s finals.
The South American players with captain Lionel Messi showed a staggered appearance, especially after the break, and were severely punished by FIFA No. 51. Even in the final stage, the “gaucho” lacked speed and intelligence. And if there were chances to score, it was always Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais.
He missed the record for Italy
The underdog’s victory over Argentina, who had been undefeated for 3 years and 36 consecutive matches, was not stolen. Especially in the second half, the Saudis raised the heat and showed their skills: Saleh Al-Shehri (48) managed to escape from Tottenham defender Christian Romero, leveling the score at 1-1.
After 5 minutes, Salem Al-Dossary volleyed beautifully into the far corner. Argentina also failed to equal Italy’s record (37 matches unbeaten) due to defeat.
Argentina had a much better start: Messi scored for the first time after 90 seconds, 10 minutes later the PSG player inflicted a controversial penalty kick to make it 1-0. It was the 35-year-old’s 92nd international goal. Thus, Messi has established himself in the circle of the elite: he is the fifth player after Pele, Uwe Seller, Miroslav Klose and Cristiano Ronaldo to score a goal in 4 World Cup finals.
After that, the South Americans kept pressing for a 2-0 victory. The ball wriggled 3 times into the Saudi goal, but each time the referee was: offside.
- 22 minutes: Messi’s second goal is not allowed – he just started offside.
- 27 minutes: Lautaro Martinez scores after a great through ball from Papu Gomez. The Inter striker is millimeters offside.
- 35 minutes: Messi’s pass to Martinez comes too late. For the third time, an Argentine goal is cancelled.
Despite all the initial fireworks in attack: even before the break, the two-time world champion’s defense wasn’t always strong. One thing is already clear in the mighty Group C with Poland and Mexico: Argentina will have to improve in all respects if they are to advance at all.
This is how it goes
The third group continues with its next matches on Saturday. At 2:00 pm, Saudi Arabia will meet Poland, and in the evening match, the Argentines will meet Mexico again in Lusail.
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