In one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, Saudi Arabia were among the favorites on Lionel Messi’s list to beat Argentina 2-1.
Messi scored, okay, but that goal came in the 10th minute, with Saudi Arabia successfully using a pressing, fast-paced strategy. This is the first time that Argentina has participated in the opening ceremony of the World Cup since 1990. For the Saudi Arabian team, this victory is the first time.
Goals from Saleh al-Shehri in the 48th minute and Salem al-Dawsari in the 58th minute complemented key saves by goalkeeper Mohammed al-Owais to bring a victory for a country with just three World Cup victories until Tuesday. The most unlikely outcome. Argentina has won 36 games in a row.