In one of the most shocking upsets in World Cup history, Saudi Arabia defied all odds to defeat Lionel Messi’s Argentina 2-1 in their Group C opener at Lusail Iconic Stadium. Salem Al-Dawsari’s breathtaking solo goal sealed a historic victory, leaving football fans worldwide in awe. At Jaya9, we break down how the underdogs dismantled one of the tournament favorites through tactical discipline, relentless pressing, and sheer determination.
The Match That Shook the World
Argentina entered the match on a 36-game unbeaten streak, with Messi aiming to cement his legacy by lifting the elusive World Cup trophy. However, Saudi Arabia, ranked 51st in the world, had other plans.
Key Moments That Defined the Game
- 10′ Penalty Drama: A controversial VAR decision awarded Argentina a penalty after Saud Abdulhamid tugged Leandro Paredes’ shirt. Messi calmly converted, becoming the fifth player to score in four different World Cups.
- 48′ Saudi Arabia Strikes Back: Saleh Al-Shehri capitalized on Cristian Romero’s defensive lapse, slotting a low shot past Emiliano Martinez.
- 53′ Al-Dawsari’s Moment of Magic: The Saudi winger controlled a high ball, turned past two defenders, and curled a stunning strike into the top corner.
Saleh Al-Shehri sparked Saudi Arabia’s stunning comeback with a clinical finish.
Tactical Breakdown: How Saudi Arabia Outsmarted Argentina
High Defensive Line & Offside Trap Mastery
Saudi Arabia’s backline, led by Hassan Al-Tambakti, executed a near-perfect high line, catching Argentina offside 10 times—a World Cup record. Lautaro Martinez had two goals disallowed by VAR due to precise defensive coordination.
Relentless Pressing & Midfield Dominance
Abdulelah Al-Malki and Mohamed Kanno disrupted Argentina’s rhythm, cutting off passing lanes to Messi. The Green Falcons won 60% of their duels in midfield, a stat that stunned analysts at Jaya9.
Herve Renard’s Inspirational Leadership
The French coach’s pre-match team talk reportedly moved players to tears. His halftime adjustments—urging aggressive pressing and quick transitions—proved decisive.
Al-Dawsari’s wonder goal sealed one of football’s greatest upsets.
Argentina’s Collapse: What Went Wrong?
- Defensive Fragility: Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi looked vulnerable against Saudi’s rapid counters.
- Lack of Creativity: Despite Messi’s early penalty, Argentina struggled to break down Saudi’s compact defense.
- Mental Fatigue: The South Americans appeared shell-shocked after conceding twice in five minutes.
Historical Context: Where Does This Rank Among World Cup Upsets?
Saudi Arabia’s victory joins legendary shocks like:
- USA 1-0 England (1950)
- Cameroon 1-0 Argentina (1990)
- Senegal 1-0 France (2002)
This win also ended Argentina’s unbeaten run just one game short of Italy’s all-time record (37 matches).
What’s Next for Both Teams?
- Argentina must regroup quickly, facing Mexico next. Another loss could spell disaster.
- Saudi Arabia takes on Poland with a chance to secure knockout qualification.
Final Thoughts
Saudi Arabia’s triumph wasn’t just luck—it was a tactical masterpiece. At Jaya9, we believe this match will be remembered as a defining moment in World Cup history. Can the Green Falcons continue their fairytale run? Only time will tell.
What did you think of Saudi Arabia’s performance? Share your views below!
