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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Victor

Saudi Arabia star taken off on stretcher as sickening collision leaves keeper distraught

Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais was left visibly distraught after a clash with team-mate Yasser Al-Shahrani during his country's World Cup clash with Argentina.

Al-Shahrani left the field on a stretcher after the collision, which took place during stoppage time in Qatar. Saudi Arabia pulled off a stunning victory in the match, coming from behind to beat the pre-tournament favourites 2-1.

Goalkeeper Al-Owais was one of his country's heroes in the shock victory, pulling off a number of saves including a stunning stop to deny Nicolas Tagliafico from point-blank range. He and his team-mates held their own in the closing stages to seal victory, with Al-Shahrani appearing to give the thumbs up as he left the field after his nasty-looking injury.

Eight minutes were added on by referee Slavko Vincic, after similar long periods of stoppage time in earlier World Cup fixtures. Eventually, the clock ticked beyond 100 minutes, with further time added on for Al-Shahrani's injury.

The defender caught a knee to the face after keeper Al-Owais rushed from his line to challenge for a high ball into the Saudi Arabia box. After receiving treatment on the field, with the stopper watching on as his colleague lay prone on the ground, Al-Shahrani left the field to be replaced by Mohammed Al Burayk.

Fans and players alike will have been pleased to see the 30-year-old give the thumbs-up as he made way. The extent of his injury is yet to be determined, with Herve Renard's team returning to action against Poland on November 26.

The incident took place in the final moments of Saudi Arabia v Argentina (ITV)

Argentina took a first-half lead against Saudi Arabia, with Lionel Messi opening the scoring from the penalty spot. The South American side also had a number of goals chalked off before the break, with Lautaro Martinez twice straying offside and Messi also seeing an effort ruled out.

The underdogs turned things around with two quickfire goals at the start of the second period. Saleh Al-Shehri drew them level, before Salem Al-Dawsari completed the comeback with an effort from the edge of the box with Argentina keeper Emi Martinez was unable to keep out.

Argentina had been unbeaten in 36 matches before the clash at Lusail Stadium, winning 11 and drawing six of their 17 qualification games for the tournament. However, they were unable to find a response, with Al-Owais making a number of saves and a late effort headed off the line.

Lionel Scaloni's side will return to action on Saturday, with a game against Mexico which has now become extra important for the 2014 finalists. The Albiceleste will complete their group stage campaign with a match against Poland, and a failure to top the group could see them handed a last-16 meeting with a France side who eliminated them at the same stage of the competition in 2018.

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