FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Saudi Arabia's surprise victory over Argentina snaps their 36-game winning run

 

Argentina was heavily favored to defeat Saudi Arabia in their opening World Cup encounter in Qatar and match Italy's unbeaten streak of 37 games. But things didn't work out the way they were supposed to, especially for the Argentine team in the second half. They lost against Saudi Arabia 2-1 after giving up two goals in rapid succession, snapping a 36-match undefeated streak.

The Argentine defense looked to be taking the Saudi Arabian team less seriously at the beginning of the second half, and it finally cost them. After slicing through the left half of the D-box, Saleh Al Shehri discovered the net in the bottom right corner. In the 48th minute, Saudi Arabia's goal brought the score at 1-1. A right-footed thunderbolt missile from Salem Al Dawsari surprised the Argentine crowd at the Lusail Stadium five minutes later. The Argentine campaign could not believe what had happened.

Argentina then sought to score by applying pressure to the opposing half; they came very close to doing so several times but were unable to convert.

Saudi Arabian fans celebrate after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium on November 22, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Amin Mohammad Jamali/Getty Images)

Earlier, in the 10th minute of the first half, Argentina established a 1-0 lead. For his squad, Lionel Messi converted a penalty. Additionally, they witnessed two goals that were called back for offsides.

Argentina persisted in applying pressure to Saudi Arabia's defense and made an effort to plan strikes from behind. The Argentine strikers struggled as a result of the Saudi Arabian defenders' high-line defending.

Argentina's 36-match undefeated streak was snapped in their opening World Cup encounter in Qatar, and they will now be under intense pressure to perform well against Mexico. However, Saudi Arabia's outstanding triumph will give them a serious opportunity to advance to the Round of 16. (Article Source)