Saudi Arabia humiliate Argentina in shock World Cup upset

DOHA, Qatar

Argentina suffered one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history after Saudi Arabia completed a remarkable comeback of 2-1 victory at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.

Argentina, captained by Lionel Messi and on a 36-run unbeaten streak, were billed as one of the favourites coming into the Qatar tournament.

Ranked 51st in the world, Saudi Arabia could have been done and dusted in the first half as Lionel Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Argentina had three goals ruled out for offside.

But Saudi Arabia flipped the game on its head in a stunning 10-minute period after half-time, Saleh Al-Shehri levelling with a low effort and Salem Al Dawsari firing them ahead to spark pandemonium in the stands.

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 and throw the group wide open.

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.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni early Tuesday said that he is wary of the threat posed by their World Cup-opening rivals Saudi Arabia.

Argentina won the 2021 Copa America but despite always being one of the World Cup favourites they have not lifted football's most precious trophy in the last 36 years.

"In a national team like Argentina you always carry pressure being the coach. And if the results don't go your way, I know how it works", Scaloni told a news conference on Monday.

"But I am also clear about the path I choose. Let it be clear that under no circumstances are we obliged to win a World Cup. Not at all. We are wrong if we believe that.” He added.

The Argentines, who have landed in Group C alongside Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland, will have to try their luck against other two teams; they face Mexico on Saturday, while Saudi Arabia take on Poland. - Africa