Nov. 22 (UPI) — Saudi Arabia scored twice in the moment to triumph over a one-goal deficit and overcome Lionel Messi and Argentina to a marvel in Tuesday’s Group C World Cup opener in Lusail, Qatar.
Argentina is ranked No. 3 in the world and is among the 3 most sensible favorites to win the tournament. Saudi Arabia is ranked 51st and entered form with just 3 wins in their last 16 World Cup appearances.
Saudi defender Ali Al-Bulayhi fouled Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes in the 8th minute to spark the first goal of the match. Messi then approached the penalty spot and shot to the left side of the box to beat Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais.
Messi handed the ball in the 48th minute, which led to the equalizer. Central midfielder Abdulelah Al-Malki recovered the loose ball and sent a long ball into the box. Winger Feras-Al-Buraikan touched the ball in front of Al-Shehri. , who touched it around an organization of defenders and unleashed a shot just off the post.
Saudi Arabia added the soft green score in the 53rd minute after the Argentine defense deflected a first attempt. Al-Dawsari dropped the detour as he entered the area. He then sneaked between defenders and unleashed a right-footed shot past Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. , who stuck his finger in the shot but couldn’t stop it from getting into the net.
They are now ahead of their time in Group C against Mexico at 2pm on Saturday in Lusail. The Argentines will face Poland at their last level of organization at 2:00 p. m. on November 30 in Doha.
Saudi Arabia will face Poland on Saturday in Al-Rayyan. They will face Mexico on Wednesday in Lusail.
The Qatar 2022 organizational level runs until December 2. The knockout levels of the knockout level will begin on December 3. The quarterfinals will be held on December 9 and 10. The semi-finals will be held on December 13 and 14. The latter will take position on December 17.