Saudi Arabia score wonder goal against Argentina as Messi rocked

World Cup: Players 'should have worn the armbands' says Keane

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Saudi Arabia star Salem Aldawsari has scored a stunner against Argentina at the World Cup to put his side 2-1 in front. The winger curled home an effort from the edge of the box to rock Lionel Messi’s side, who had previously taken the lead through the Paris Saint-Germain star. And a major upset now seems to be on the cards…

Argentina had taken the lead through Messi in the first-half, with the PSG star scoring from the penalty spot after yet another dubious VAR decision.

But Saudi have bounced back to go 2-1 up, rocking the giants and Messi in the process.

Saleh Al-Shehri drew the underdogs level in the 48th minute, expertly finishing past Emi Martinez to spark wild celebrations in the stands.

Al-Dawsari’s goal, however, was a thing of beauty.

The winger cut inside to unleash an unstoppable strike into the top corner, with Martinez getting a hand to it but unable to keep it out.

It means Saudi are on track to stage a memorable upset, one that would go down in the World Cup history books.

Argentina have, prior to this game, gone 36 matches unbeaten.

That’s just one shy of Italy’s record, with Roberto Mancini’s team managing a streak of 37 before losing to Spain in the Nations League this year.

While Saudi fully deserve their goals, however, they’ve also been let off the hook with Argentina seeing two goals disallowed.

Messi had an effort chalked off, with the PSG star just a fraction offside as he put the ball into the net.

BBC commentator Mark Scott reacted to Saudi taking the lead by saying Argentina ‘look lost’ in a match they’re expected to win.

“Argentina have barely been able to get out of their own half in the second period so far,” he said.

https://usasportsradar.com/soccer/tv-pictures-cut-out-during-saudi-arabia-national-anthem-at-qatar-world-cup/

“They look a little bit lost at the moment.

“The head coach Lionel Scaloni looks completely perplexed. It doesn’t look like he knows what to do.”

And former Republic of Ireland striker Clinton Morrison said: “What a finish!

“It is good play down the right-hand side. It is brilliant defending by Christian Romero initially but that is a wonderful whipped finish.

“Saudi deserve it in the second half.”

Saudi boss Herve Renard, meanwhile, insisted his side weren’t there to make up the numbers prior to the game.

“We didn’t come just to participate, our presence here is not for that,” he said.

“We try to be at the level of the event and we want the Saudi people to be proud of us.”

Source: Read Full Article