Asian football giants Saudi Arabia caused a great upset by defeating Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the first Group C match of FIFA World Cup 2022 on Tuesday.

Heavily favoured to win, Argentina started off very well with Lionel Messi forcing a fine save from Saudi goalkeeper Al Owais in the 2nd minute itself.

Their search for a goal didn’t wait long as Argentina were awarded a penalty after a VAR review which Lionel Messi converted in the 10th minute to become the only player to score at four different world cups.

Argentina maintained dominance in the first half with 64% possession and scoring three field goals which were disallowed for offside.

After the half time, Argentina lost the ball in midfield and in the resultant play, Saleh Alsherhi navigated through two defenders and shot a left footer to the left of the goal beyond the Argentine keeper in full stretch to score a superb goal for Saudi Arabia to draw level.

Saudi Arabia beat Argentina. @adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 22, 2022

The goal set the stadium alive, and Saudi Arabia continued to push while the Argentine defence started to look tenacious.

Amidst intense Saudi pressure, Argentina capitulated again in the 53rd minute when a superb curling strike from Salem Aldawsari beat Argentine keeper into the top left corner as Saudi Arabia took a 2-1 lead.

Saudi Arabia continued to play a very physical pressing game, denying any space to the Argentines.

Argentina’s over-reliance to the corridor on the right flank manned by Angel de Maria and Lionel Messi proved very predictable as that corridor was always packed with many Saudi players.

In the last quarter of the game, Saudi Arabia began strengthening their defence by withdrawing their forward players and held on to the end to earn a great victory over the South American giants.

In the second match of Group C, Mexico and Poland played out a goalless draw.

Mexico were quick, used the width of the pitch well and had 61% possession to have eleven shots at goal with four shots on target.

A solid Polish backline well marshalled by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny kept them at bay.

Poland had the best chance to score when captain Lewandowski was fouled in the penalty box in the 55th minute. Video replay shows that both defender and attacker had used their hands to drag the other, but after VAR review, Referee awarded penalty to Poland.

Lewandowsky took the penalty kick but his shot towards the left of Mexican keeper Ochoa was weak and at good height for the keeper and was saved.

Ochoa saves the day again! 🇲🇽🧤@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 22, 2022

After the penalty, Mexican upped the ante and pushed forward even more, including bringing in more attacking forwards.

The Polish defence held firm and both teams had to settle for a draw.

The drawn match between Mexico and Poland is deemed favourable for Argentina who had dropped points against Saudi Arabia.

Despite Saudi Arabia’s win against Argentina, the group still looks open and all teams will fancy their chances to qualify for the knock-out round.