Saudi Arabia achieved one of the greatest surprises in World Cup history, defeating Argentina 2-1 in Group C at the Lusail Iconic Stadium courtesy of Salem Al- Dawsari's single performance.
Match report
Goals from Saleh Al-Shehri (48) and Salem Al-Dawsari (53) complete Saudi Arabia's epic World Cup comeback win against Argentina; Lionel Messi scored from the penalty spot (10) but one of the tournament favourites is defeated at Lusail Iconic Stadium.
Highlighted moment
Time stood still when Al-Dawsari scooped the ball from the sky, turned inside two Argentina defenders, and curved his effort beyond Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's fingertips, creating one of the most spectacular World Cup moments in history.
After a disputed VAR decision, Lionel Messi took one of the tournament favourites the lead from the penalty spot (10), but Saleh Al-Shehri equalized only three minutes into the second half to set up an enormous shock.
The Unbeaten Run of Argentina came to an end
Argentina's 36-game undefeated streak, which began with a loss to Brazil three years ago, came to an end, yet this was the greatest day in Saudi Arabian football history.
Lautaro Martinez's statement after the defeat
"This is really painful. "We were hoping to start the World Cup with a victory," Messi's striking partner Lautaro Martinez remarked."But that happened, and now we need to prepare and plan for the future."
"We were defeated owing to our own errors, especially in the second half." There are things that matter, and we must remedy our errors."
Argentina in the 1990 World Cup
Argentina last lost their first World Cup group game in 1990, against Cameroon. And went on to lose to Germany in the final, but it will be of little consolation to the South Americans right now the following defeat to the country ranking 51st in the world.
