Crazy goal, heroic defense and 15 minutes of extra time: Saudi Arabia’s feat against Argentina

How to stutter in your first World Cup match? You have to ask about Argentina clinging to humble Saudi Arabia. Unbelievable, but it is a fact. The magic of an ever-renewing World Cup… The Scaloni team, 2021 South American champions, undefeated for three years and 36 games, went to Saudi Arabia, who have won only 3 of their 16 World Cup matches so far (2 draws, 11 losses). ).

Episode 1: Argentina play but three goals are not counted

However, this Argentina and Saudi Arabia didn’t have even 10 minutes before Lionel Messi started his 5th World Cup and the Albiceleste Championship with the best omen: a penalty taken with no or almost, with a flat left foot without crossing, while while Al-Owais, the Saudi Arabian goalkeeper, swept down the right flank (1-0, 10th) – Messi’s 7th World Cup goal.

A generous penalty for Abdulhamid’s ultra-classic hit on Paredes, well used by the former Parisian and awarded by Mr. Vincic, the Slovenian referee, after watching.

But after that, the success and the grind seemed to slip away a little from the Argentines, who were very eager to hide behind the scoreboard, while neglecting to pack the game. Consequence: Three goals disallowed in the first period due to offside by Messi (22nd) and two by Lautaro Martinez, clearly too impatient to score at the World Cup (27th and 35th).

Episode 2: Saudi Arabia’s Incredible Awakening

On the Saudi side, Hervé Renard’s players, who finished 1st in their qualifying group, ahead of Japan and Australia (only one defeat), did not come to catch up in the stadium huddled behind them. Athletically competitive and, for some, technically advanced, the scene’s regional players, 12 of whom play for the same Al Hilal club, don’t hesitate to go on the offensive, even if that means leaving room for the South American masters behind them.

And at the beginning of the second half, the sky fell on the heads of the Argentines in five minutes, too senators or too tense for their debut, despite the goal advantage – a penalty scored by Messi from the 10th minute.

Served well in the center after losing the ball in the center circle, Al-Shehri with a left cross into the side net converted Saudi Arabia’s opener into a goal, playing with his bodyguard Romero (1-1, 49th). And the stadium in Lusail, mostly green from Saudi Arabia, exploding with joy and pride…

Episode 3: Al-Dawsari Skylight

Then, still taking advantage of the passivity of the Argentines, Al-Dausari doubled down, sending the ball from the corner of the Argentine square with a right hand out of reach of Emiliano Martinez (1-2, 53rd). An exceptional magnificent goal – perhaps one of the most beautiful in this World Cup? – which allows Saudi Arabia to take the lead. Unthinkable.

Episode 4: heroic defense, concussion and… 15 minutes of extra time

In the last half hour, of course, Albicelesta multiplied the attacks on the goal of Al Owais, but the attempts of Tagliafico (63rd), Lautaro (69th and 74th), Di Maria (72nd) and Messi – even from a free kick. (81st) and headbutt (84th) were unsuccessful. The end of the game is suffocating. The goalkeeper of Saudi Arabia in an air duel injured one of his players, the latter left the field by knockout and with a very likely concussion.

This borders on irrationality: in 15 minutes of added time, the Saudis are eleven behind and knock out all the balls. Al Owais’ last save after Alvarez’s header, the Argentine siege of Lusail, did not result in an equalizer. Saudi Arabia holds its historic victory.