Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia – Soccer Match Report – November 22, 2022

Lionel Messi’s Argentina suffered one of many World Cup’s biggest shocks as Saudi Arabia got here from behind to win 2-1 at Lusail Stadium on Tuesday in entrance of a 88,012 crowd.

Messi gave Argentina, one of many favourites to win the match, a Tenth-minute lead from the penalty spot with a coolly taken spot kick.

However two objectives early within the second-half, together with an impressive strike from Salem Al-Dawsari, turned the sport on its head and left the Albiceleste with little margin for error towards Mexico and Poland of their different Group C fixtures.

Argentina got here into the sport overwhelmingly anticipated to win and had been heading in the right direction to match Italy’s document 37-match unbeaten run once they went forward early on because of Messi’s penalty, which happened following a VAR test for pushing and shoving within the field.

Messi, taking part in in his fifth World Cup, beat Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais on a breakaway however that aim and two others by Lautaro Martinez had been dominated offside as Saudi Arabia’s excessive defensive position held agency.

Saleh Al-Shehri squeezed in a low shot within the forty eighth minute whereas Al-Dawsari curled in a scorching strike from the sting of the penalty space within the 53rd minute to go away Argentina trying on in disbelief.

Regardless of loads of possession after that, Argentina had been unable to interrupt down Saudi Arabia, who had been competing of their sixth World Cup however had by no means beforehand received a gap recreation.

Al-Owais saved nicely at point-blank vary to disclaim Argentina when Lisandro Martinez’s shot deflected off Nicolas Tagliafico however Lionel Scaloni’s facet, who’ve 4 gamers older than 34 of their beginning XI, appeared drained within the remaining half-hour.

Saudi Arabia followers, in the meantime, chanted “The place is Messi? We beat him!” as they celebrated their shock lead.

As Saudi Arabia, who at 51st are the second-lowest ranked crew within the match, closed in on a well-known victory, the sport was delayed after a nasty collision between Al-Owais and Yasir Al Shahrani that resulted within the defender leaving the pitch on a stretcher.