One of the biggest upsets of the World Cup was pulled off by daring and outstanding Saudi Arabia, who beat Argentina in a stunning comeback in Group C’s opening game in Lusail.
The 51st-ranked Saudi Arabia may have already lost after Lionel Messi’s penalty-kick goal in the first half and Argentina’s subsequent three goals being disallowed for offside.
After the break, however, Saudi Arabia dramatically turned the game around, with Salem Al Dawsari giving them the lead to enrage the crowd and Saleh Al-Shehri tying it with a terrible effort.
The Green Falcons opened the group with their fourth World Cup triumph in history after displaying their ruthlessness on one end and toughness on the other, holding off an exceptional Argentina front line.
Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina, one of the favorites, entered the contest after going 36 games without a loss, which included winning the 2021 Copa America.
They now need to exert every effort to preserve their hopes of winning their first major championship since 1986 and give Messi a worthy start in what would probably be his final World Cup.
They play Mexico on Saturday, while Saudi Arabia plays Poland.