Group C - R1 - Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia - Tuesday 22nd November, 2022

[Reluctant Striker]

5 minutes ago, Michael said:

They didn't win it in 1990, West Germany won it that year, but Argentina did reach the final.

 

Yes!

It's been that long now I had remembered it wrong!

Maybe it was Maradona being all apologetic to Italians over their semi final..

[Toinho]

Argentina looked minging in the second half. Well done to the Saudis (only time I am ever gonna say that), someone needs to fly the flag for Asian football.

[Toinho]

13 hours ago, Danny said:

Watching Argentina is like playing fifa online with lag

Yes! Brilliant call. Then I watched France, and France's football flowed. Argentina not so.

[Michael]

Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina in what has to be the biggest surprise so far at this World Cup. Argentina were unbeaten in 36 matches going into this match. The Argentinians started brightly, as Messi had a shot at goal in the penalty area, excellently saved by the Saudi keeper Owais. Moments later, Argentina were awarded a penalty and Messi stepped up to score and give Argentina the lead.

But the shock arose when Saudi Arabia equalised through Al-Shehri. Al-Malki collected the ball in midfield and hit a through ball up-field which found its way to Al-Shehri. Al-Shehri managed to beat Cristian Romero and his shot towards the far post beat keeper Martinez, nestling into the net at the far post. Moments later Saudi Arabia actually took the lead. The Saudis played the ball down the right flank, a blocked cross saw the ball fall to Al-Abed, his goalbound shot was bravely blocked by Romero's head. However, Al-Dawsari controlled the loose ball, turned and swivelled past two Argentinan players, then cut inside and checked past De Paul and then unleashed a rocket of a swerving shot at goal, avoiding Paredes's sliding challenge, as his effort found the corner of the net, to give the Saudis the lead.

Argentina then had to go for broke, which they did, with their best chance coming from Tagliafico. Argentina got a cross into the area, it was met by Lisandro Martinez, who hit the ball goalward, it found its way to Tagliafico right in front of goal, and his effort was brilliantly saved by Owais the Saudi goalie. It was a huge chance to equalise for Argentina, but they were denied. Headers by Messi and Julian Alvarez were also saved relatively comfortably by Owais. Argentina continued to search for the equaliser, but it was never to come, as Messi was surrounded and marked well by the Saudis. 

Argentina will have to regroup and get positive results in their final two games, while the Saudis will feel very confident, going into their remaining matches. Despite their historic win, the Saudis did have two players injured in this game, as Al-Faraj and Al-Shahrani having to leave the pitch because of injuries. Al-Shahrani's tournament is seemingly over, as his jaw was broken as well as internal bleeding. Al-Shahrani is apparently one of their better players, so his absence in the upcoming games must be a blow for them.