Major Upset: Saudi Arabia Defeats World Cup Favorites Argentina

Saudi Arabia pulled off an extraordinary comeback win over Argentina to produce one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 10th minute via a penalty but Argentina was stunned in the second half when Saudi Arabia scored two goals in five minutes to take a shock 2-1 lead in Qatar. Saleh Alshehri levelled minutes after half-time before Salem Al-Dawsari’s smashed home an incredible strike from distance, with the Saudis holding on to claim a historic victory.

The game saw Argentina’s 36-game unbeaten streak ending. It was also the first time since 1958 against Germany that Argentina have lost a World Cup match after scoring the first goal, and also the first time since 1930 they have lost a World Cup match when leading at half-time.