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Argentina lost their first game of the 2022 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, snapping a 36-game unbeaten record.
Argentina loses to Saudi Arabia in the World Cup opener
Argentina lost by 1-2 to Saudi Arabia in Group C’s opening match. The match was played at the Lusail Stadium in the first dramatic shock of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Argentina entered the competition on the strength of a massive 36-game unbeaten run. While Messi is aiming to win his final World Cup.
Argentina was dominating the opponent the rest of the first half but couldn’t extend their lead. It was due to the three goals were disallowed for offside- two from Lautaro Martinez and one from Messi himself.
Argentina started in fantastic way in the first half. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner scored from the penalty spot to put his team up after only ten minutes. In the process, the former Barcelona captain became Argentina’s first player to score in four World Cups.
Saudi Arabia turned up the pace after halftime break, tying level three minutes into the second period through Saleh Alshehri. Only five minutes later, the Asian nation surprised its legendary opponents with a screamer of a shot from Salem Aldawsari.
From then on, Saudi Arabia defended valiantly with everything they had, withstanding pressure from the South American giants to secure a historic victory.
L. Martinez was denied by goalkeeper Mohammad Alowais. The goalkeeperalso saved Messi’s simple headed shot before Julian Alvarez’s effort was cleared off the line.
The referee awarded a generous 14 minutes of stoppage time due to injuries and breaks in the game. Thought, Argentina kept trying to score even in the last moments with such time but failed. However, there was no turning back for the Copa America 2021 champions.
