Football giants Argentina succumbed to a 1-2 shock defeat in the hands of Saudi Arabia in their first Group C encounter of the FIFA World Cup 2022 on Tuesday at Lusail Stadium, Qatar. 

Argentina started the match as heavy favourites and an inform team, having won last year’s Copa America. They started on the right note with skipper Messi scoring a penalty kick and opening the score just 10 mins into the match. Argentina scored 3 more goals, 1 by Messi and 2 by Martinez but all three were disallowed for offside. La Albiceleste ( As Argentina are called for their white and sky blue uniform) failed to capitalize and build on the initial momentum and were unable to score another goal in the first half.

In the second half, the spirited Saudi team mounted a fierce attack and thanks to audacious kicks by S Al Shehri and Salem Alawsari, scored 2 goals in the span of 7 minutes and moved to a 2-1 lead. Argentina tried a equaliser when Messi took a corner but a determined defence by Saudi ensured that they held on to the slim lead. Saudi goalie M Al Owais was at his best, saving 5 attempts and ensuring that Argentina were kept at bay.

Statistically speaking, Argentina were the better side, having a big lead(68-32) in terms of ball share and also having more attempts at the goal than Saudi Arabia.  However, It was one of those memorable days for the underdogs, where brilliant and inspired performances by a few of their players ensured that the better side was stunned. 

For Argentina, it was indeed a dismal performance. While the Argentines were unfortunate for three of their goals to be declared offsides, their forwards Di Maria and Martinez dissapointed by not scoring another goal. Chinks in the Argentine defense, said to be its Achilles Heel was once again exposed.

It is a massive result and a huge confidence booster for Saudi while Argentina will need nothing short of a Houdini act to get their act together and remain in contention at the World Cup.