Saudi Arabia caused one of the biggest upsets in the history of the FIFA World cup yesterday after coming from behind to beat Argentina 2-1 in a Group C opening Match.
Lionel Messi had given Argentina the lead 10 minutes into the game before The Green Falcons staged a remarkable comeback in the second half.
Saleh Al-Shehri equalized and Salem Al-Dawsari scored a wonderful strike to secure a massive victory for Saudi Arabia
Despite playing one of the World Cup favorites, the Herve Renard-coached side managed to end Argentina’s 36-match unbeaten run.
Coach Renard who was welcomed with a standing ovation in the press conference room for masterminding one of the pre-match favourites’ defeat said he and his team made history and it will be remembered forever but insisted that they is need to remain focused ahead of their two remaing games against Poland and Mexico in the group.
“So we made history in football, and it will stay forever, this is the most important thing,” said the former Zambia and Ivory coast coach. “But we also need to start looking forward, we still have two very difficult games for us.”
Argentina Coach, Lionel Silicon refuted claims that they underestimated Saudi Arabia before the match.
” No, we fully respect Saudi Arabia, the reason behind this defeat, it’s not because we underestimated Saudi Arabia,” He said. “Quite on the contrary they are a good team, they have technical players, and they are very well prepared physically.”
Argentina will take on Mexico on Saturday in their second game of the tournament as they seek redemption knowing very well that a defeat will leave with slim chances of progressing to the last 16.
Saudi Arabia who current lead group C with 3 points will look to increase their chances of advancing to the next round when they meet Poland who played to a goalless draw with Mexico.
