The 2022 World Cup made its first big push in the group stage as Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 2-1 in Lusail.
Lionel Messi and Argentina enter the tournament as favorites to win it as the Paris Saint-Germain superstar aims for the first World Cup title of his illustrious career.
However, they were no match for a dogged and disciplined Saudi Arabia team, who won their first World Cup on an opening day.
Herve Renard’s side sparked wild celebrations in the stands for the traveling Saudi fans, and in Riyadh, King Salman declared Wednesday, November 23 a public holiday.
Saudi Arabia announced a holiday after victory against Argentina
Ranked 51st in the FIFA world rankings before the World Cup, Saudi Arabia is the second-lowest ranked national team at the tournament, and that underdog status helped them over the line, according to Renard.
“We like it when they forget us and think we are the smallest team. In the World Cup, there are surprises and that is our mentality.”
Saleh Al Shehri and Salem Al Dawasari were the goalscoring heroes for Saudi Arabia, but the decision to allow a national holiday for football results in the Arab kingdom is unprecedented.
Along with all public and private sector workers, and students on holiday, festive events are also planned in Riyadh.
Social media has been flooded with posts of wild celebrations as the Green Falcons enjoyed their big World Cup moment.
Saudi Arabia have declared tomorrow a national holiday after their 2-1 win against Argentina 🥳 pic.twitter.com/sTShJZF0HV
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 22, 2022
سعودی شہریوں نے جم کر جیت کا جشن منایا#SamaaTV #ARGvsKSA #FIFAWorldCup2022 #argentina #SaudiArabia #celebration pic.twitter.com/Gkr2pZy4Gr
— SAMAA TV (@SAMAATV) November 22, 2022
Saudi Arabia have declared tomorrow a national holiday after beating Argentina.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 22, 2022
The power of the World Cup 🙌 pic.twitter.com/slA7INGLte
Bro pulled the door off celebrating the upset 😂
— Pickswise (@Pickswise) November 22, 2022
51st-ranked Saudi Arabia beats Argentina
(via os.nx/TT) pic.twitter.com/pX40RHqCaB
The biggest upset in World Cup history
Despite coming into the group stage, Saudi Arabia’s win entered World Cup folklore, with Messi’s date suffering a major shock in fortunes due to the perceived gulf between the two sides.
The result marked the end of Senegal’s 2002 World Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over defending champions France, bringing other great memories from the World Cup annals.
How Saudi Arabia beat Messi and Argentina
Saudi Arabia bravely set up a high offside line, as Renard backed his players to absorb the threat of Messi and Co. at the Lucelle Stadium.
Despite going behind Messi’s early penalty, Saudi Arabia stuck to their tactics, seeing both Messi and Lautaro Martinez (twice) disallowed for offside before the break.
After snuffing out Argentina’s threat in the first 45, Saudi Arabia ruthlessly seized chances to win the match after the half-time break, as both of their shots on target in the game ended up in the back of the Argentine net. After taking the lead, they returned to form to upset the Albiceleste.
A marathon 14-minute extra time tested their resolve, but they marshaled a superb defense by Hasan Altambakti and held their nerve to secure an incredible win.