Saudi Arabia produced the first shock result of the World Cup after they beat Argentina 2-1 on Tuesday.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring thanks to a first-half penalty. The Argentines then had three goals disallowed for offside offences as they went in with a slender 1-0 lead at half-time. Few could've predicted what would happen next as Saudi Arabia shocked the world with an impressive second-half display.
Goals for Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari turned things around as they produced one of the greatest results in their history.
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Argentina, who are one of the sides tipped to win the competition outright, went into the game as strong favourites. Most pundits, including Graeme Souness, believed it would be plain sailing for Messi and co, but it ended up being completely different.
Speaking before the game on ITV, Souness said: "I think it will be damage limitation, they'll be overawed by being on the same pitch as some of these Argentinian players, obviously Messi. I think we saw the quality that Iran and Qatar had. They're just not very good in this part of the world right now. Maybe that will change. But I think I will be damage limitation for the Saudis today."
The Liverpool legend was proven wrong, though, as the Saudi Arabians held on for an emphatic three points. Speaking after the match was over, he stated that he was incredibly shocked by the result: "I am gobsmacked. I have never witnessed an Argentinian team not be up for the cup, in terms of a physical encounter," he said.
"They were wishy-washy today, the referee was obviously going to be lenient, Saudi Arabia were super aggressive, the referee let it go. At that point, Argentina have to say: 'We have to match this otherwise, we'll be in trouble.' That's exactly what happened, I thought Argentina had another gear, but they don't have another gear. Unless they find a yard of aggression from somewhere, they can be rolled over. Really good news for England if they have to meet them in the competition."
Argentina should still get through Group C, but their task has been made harder as a result of the surprise loss. Mexico and Poland are both decent outfits, and the Argentines will have to be at their very best to beat both.
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