Saudi Arabia sent shock waves through the football world with a stunning victory over two-time winners and pre-tournament favourites Argentina in their FIFA World Cup opener, also sparking widespread celebrations among fans of the region.
While fans travelling to support the Green Falcons were in a state of euphoria at the Lusail Stadium and several fans zones in Qatar yesterday, supporters back home were in jubilation as they watched the game on giant screens at fan zones in different parts of the country.
The Saudi Arabian government announced a national holiday on Wednesday (today) to celebrate the team’s greatest-ever victory, according to Saudi Gazette.
Al Hilal duo of Saleh Al Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari produced the second-half magic to give Saudi Arabia – ranked 51st in the world – a historic win after Argentina went ahead with a 10-minute penalty by Lionel Messi, who became only the fifth player in history to score in four different editions of the FIFA World Cup.
Saudi Arabia’ shock victory over Argentina, who were on a 36-match unbeaten run since their loss to Brazil in Copa America 2019 final, was rated as the biggest shock in World Cup history by data company Nielsen Gracenote, surpassing the previous biggest upset, the United States’ victory over England in 1950.
The win is also the first-ever World Cup victory by an Asian side against Argentina.
Saudi Arabia players celebrate.
“We needed to get this result, it will be one for the (history) books, but as a coach I’m always asking for more from my players, so let’s stay humble,” said Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard.
Al Dawsari, who scored the winning goal, was jubilant but he said Saudi Arabia have the potential to claim more big wins.
“We got the three valuable points. We knew we can do it, nothing is impossible,” he said after the win. The match at the Lusail Stadium saw a turnout of over 88,000 yesterday and it was a day for the supporters of Green Falcons to celebrate.
“It’s a great victory. We have defeated [Lionel] Messi’s Argentina. It is a day, which I will remember forever,” said a delighted Saudi fan after the match.
“I am an Iraqi and I am very happy with the win. This is a time for celebration for all the Arab fans,” said another fan.
Thousands of fans continued to celebrate till late last night at several places including Souq Waqif, Corniche
and Lusail.
Fans celebrate Saudi Arabia's victory in Riyadh
“We played a brilliant match. We are over the moon after this excellent performance from our national team. The players followed the coach’s tactics and now we are hopeful our team will continue to perform well in next matches,” said Faisal, who gave his first name only, during celebrations at Souq Waqif.
Featuring in their sixth World Cup, Saudi Arabia’s best show came in 1994 in USA when they reached the Round of 16 on their debut. The Renard-coached side will now face Poland and Mexico in their next Group C matches.
Jubilation back home
Meanwhile, disbelieving Saudis formed impromptu dance circles and waved the sword-emblazoned national flag from the windows of speeding cars in Riyadh yesterday after their team’s sensational win over Messi’s side.
As the final whistle blew in the shocker, fans watching on a big screen at a stadium in the capital Riyadh sent shisha pipes flying as they rushed to celebrate.
“Nothing is impossible for Saudi Arabia... The future is here and we are the future,” 35-year-old Tareq Al Shammari said at the Mrsool Park stadium, as fans stormed the pitch and belted out chants and songs around him.
“We have people who love football and we adore it,” said Sultan, wearing a white thobe (gown) and a green-and-white scarf.
“We are investing in infrastructure and we have all the capabilities to compete with European countries.”
The scenes of jubilation, with some fans wiping away tears with their bright green Saudi banners, were a sharp contrast to the subdued atmosphere during the first half, when Messi scored a penalty and Argentina had three goals knocked down for offside.
But the crowd was jolted into life just three minutes into the second half, when the Saudis equalised.
Celebrations exploded after Al Dawsari gave the Green Falcons a shock lead five minutes later, and tense fans loudly cheered every save by goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais — who didn’t let another ball go past him, despite a long period of stoppage time.
“I’m so, so, so happy,” said a fan who gave her name as Bayan. “No one from Saudi expected that, but they did it.” (AFP)
