Argentina and Saudi Arabia meet in Group C of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar today. Argentina are one of the favorites to lift the trophy this winter, and they start their bid with a lucrative game against Saudi Arabia, one of the smaller sides in the competition.
While an apparently tougher test awaits Lionel Messi and his team-mates when they take on Mexico and Poland – who meet later in the day – this opening game is a great chance for the two-time champions to pick up three points and some early momentum.
Argentina have not won the World Cup since 1986, when Maradona was their star in Mexico, and the country is desperate not only to reclaim the crown but to see Messi add this elusive title to his already very long list of honors.
Messi missed several training sessions in the week leading up to this game with Saudi Arabia, but the captain emphasized: "I feel very good, I am very good physically, good condition." That is good news for Argentina but bad news for Saudi Arabia, as they look set to be one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history. Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia
43 min: Saudi heads the ball straight to Rodrigo de Paul on the edge of the box... but he completely misdirects and sends his effort into the stands!
What a chance!
Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia
42 min: Gomez wins another free-kick for Argentina down the left, with Lionel Messi back in possession...
Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia
38 min: Rest here (don't worry it will be added!) with Saudi captain Salman Al-Faraj off and receiving treatment.
He looks fine to continue...
Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia
35 minutes: Martinez starts again... sits in goal and scores into an empty net... but he's offside again!
This one is crystal clear – unlike the thought process behind Saudi Arabia's high line!
Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia
35 minutes: Martinez starts again... sits in goal and scores into an empty net... but he's offside again!
This one is crystal clear – unlike the thought process behind Saudi Arabia's high line!
Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia
min 32: Apart from net chances for Argentina, Saudi Arabia played well here. And they're not afraid to get physical either!
They had a free-kick on the left... but comfortably in the hands of Emiliano Martinez!
Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia
Oh wait... that's not allowed for offside! Just like you...
Very confusing - Martinez looks clearly onside! Lionel Messi is offside but doesn't go near the ball....
Confused.
Argentina 2-0 Saudi Arabia (Martinez, 28)
28 minutes: Another goal for Argentina - and that's Lautaro Martinez!
What a finish from the Inter striker - he latched on to the through ball and coolly chipped the ball past the Saudi keeper!
Breathing room for Argentina!
Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia
22nd minute: Lionel Messi gets behind the Saudi defense... and scores... but the flag goes up!
He played superbly at the back and finished comfortably into the corner... but the captain was offside - ONLY!
Stopover for Saudi Arabia.
Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia
21st minute: Papu Gómez this time cuts inside from the left and shoots a shot - but it just goes over the bar!
When Argentina did enter the Saudi final third, they immediately looked threatening... This article was written by EDUKASI CAMPUS.