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Salem Al-Dawsari artistically celebrates his goal in a sensational victory against Argentina
Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Co-favourite Argentina started the World Cup in Qatar by surprise with a 1-2 (1-0) defeat against Saudi Arabia.
Superstar Lionel Messi gave the Albiceleste the lead with a penalty kick (10th minute), then in the second half a double strike by Saleh Al-Shehri (48th) and Salem Al-Dawsari (53rd) turned the game around.
South American champions Argentina started the game actively as expected, and Messi's first attempt at a shot was parried by goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais.
The Saudi keeper had no chance just a few minutes later: After Saud Abdelhamid fouled Leandro Paredes, Messi took the penalty and slid in low on the left, while Al-Owais dived into the right corner (10').
Despite the early lead, Saudi Arabia fought back with remarkable fighting spirit and also tried to playfully work their way into the Argentine penalty area.
They succeeded, only the outsider never actually managed to get into the final position before the break, so that Argentina struggled but never posed any serious danger.
Three offside goals but no 2-0
On the other hand, Lionel Scaloni's team, unbeaten for 36 games, became dangerous again and again with balls behind the Saudi defensive line: Supposed goals from Messi (22nd) and Lautaro Martinez (35th) were not recognized because they were clearly offside.
In another action by Martinez, who lobbed the ball into the goal after a pass from Papu Gómez, the video assistant needed help to recognize the offside (27th).
The injury and substitution of captain Salman Al-Faraj (45 + 3) further weakened Saudi Arabia - at least on paper.
In fact, the outsider got off to a dream start in the second half: after Messi lost the ball in midfield, Saudi Arabia quickly switched and equalized with Al-Shehri's shot into the far corner (48').
Shortly afterwards, Emiliano Martínez got his hands on an outstanding flick from Salem Al-Dawsari in the Argentine goal, but was unable to prevent the second impact (53').
Argentina was now under pressure and got stuck in the penalty area against the Saudi Arabians, who were extremely keen to run.
Al-Owais parried a close-range attempt by Nicolás Tagliafico (63'), Messi failed with a header (84'), and Abdulelah Al-Amri saved with a header just before the goal line in added time.
The strong Saudi defense, which threw itself into every ball, prevented further great chances.
In Group C, in which Mexico meets Poland in the afternoon (5 p.m., TV: ZDF/Magenta), an exciting four-way battle for progress is indicated.
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