Saudi Arabia’s 2-1 victory over Argentina was the first shocker at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, prompting an outpouring of Arab pride amid the first staging of soccer’s top tournament in the West Asia. From Syria and Jordan to Gaza and Qatar, overjoyed fans erupted in celebration of Saudi Arabia’s achievement, one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history.

Soon after their team’s victory, Saudi fans flooded the streets outside Lusail Stadium waving their national flags while chanting and singing and even hugging distraught Argentina fans.

Also Read | Seven most memorable NFL Thanksgiving games ever

“I’m speechless. I can’t even explain how much happy I am, because I didn’t expect we will win,” Saudi Arabia fan Sultan Alharthi said.

Qatar’s ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, attended the match, and at one point wrapped a Saudi flag over his shoulders. The video was widely shared over the internet. The moment would have been unthinkable nearly two years ago when Saudi Arabia and three other Arab nations boycotted Qatar over a political dispute.

Also Read | Olivier Giroud equals Thierry Henry’s record to become France’s joint all-time highest goalscorer

After the game, Saudi Arabia’s King Mohammed bin Salman declared a public holiday on November 23 to honor the team’s unexpected win over triumph over Argentina, the two-time presently captained by arguably the greatest player of all time – Lionel Messi.

A 36-game winning streak against Argentina was snapped by Saudi Arabia. Currently, the team ranks at number 51 and made history by defeating the world’s number 3 team.

Also Read | Manchester United to go on sale as Glazers seek new investor: Report

Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais, who made two important saves late in the game said “I am very happy about this result that we have been able to obtain against this very storied team”.

“We have prepared ourselves. We were 100% ready and hopefully we will have better results in the future,” he added.

Also Read | Olivier Giroud equals Thierry Henry’s record to become France’s joint all-time highest goalscorer

Even after trailing 1-0 at halftime after a 10th-minute goal from Lionel Messi, Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari managed to score a goal each in the second half.

“Wow! I have all the feelings right now. We beat Argentina, one of the great teams!” said Saad from Riyadh who is in Qatar for two weeks.

Also Read | FIFA World Cup 2022: Watch Poland’s Robert Lewandowski miss penalty against Mexico

Renard, who won the African Cup of Nations as coach of Zambia in 2012 and then again with Ivory Coast in 2015 said Messi and Argentina probably underestimated Saudi Arabia.