Saudi Arabia defy reality to stun lacklustre Argentina

A moment of authenticity in this tournament, yet one that seemed to defy reality.

- MIGUEL DELANEY

Argentina 1 Messi 10 pen)

Saudi Arabia 2 Al Shehri 48), Al Dawsari 53)

This World Cup has had its first classic shock, and maybe one of its biggest of all. An utterly stunned Argentina lost for the first time in 36 games, to an admirably adventurous Saudi Arabia, driven on by a raucous atmosphere. Manager Herve Renard pulled off another incredible feat.

The fact they came from behind to win 2-1 only emphasised their spirit and resolve and showed how even the most problematic World Cup is still driven by human sporting qualities. That is what Qatar are trying to buy. A further irony is that is what their complicated political rivals in Saudi Arabia will now use. What a venue for their greatest-ever World Cup victory, in the host’s prize stadium, not long after the Gulf blockade was lifted.

And whatever talk of how the state will use the victory, this was the classic sporting story of footballers rising to greater levels, driven on by fans. Saudis and Argentines were among the most enthusiastic buyers of tickets for this World Cup and ensured the tournament had its first proper football occasion, a real atmosphere. The sound as Saleh Al Shehri scored that equalizer, and then when Salem Al Dawsari won it, was something else. It was vibrant. It was deafening, but also defined and influenced the game.

You couldn’t have had a clearer case of how an atmosphere and psychology influence the game, as Argentina suffered yet another football equivalent of a nervous breakdown. That points to how they have such a poor record in opening games, but even this was a new way to fail. They were even given the platform of an early Lionel Messi penalty, but even that proved the perfect set-up for what was to follow.