Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: In one of the biggest shocks in football, Saudi Arabia defeated favorites Argentina 2-1 in Group C of the 2022 World Cup on Tuesday.
Lionel Messi gave Argentina the lead from the spot in the 10th minute, but Saudi Arabia scored two second-half goals to earn their biggest victory in history.
Argentina had three goals disallowed for offside in the first half.
Saleh Al-Shehri equalized for Saudi Arabia in the 48th minute before Salem Al-Dawsari scored the winner in the 53rd minute.
Argentina is third in FIFA ranking, while Saudi Arabia is ranked 51st better only than Ghana of the 32 teams playing in Qatar.
The South American side was awarded a penalty in the 10th minute after Lautaro Martinez was fouled inside the box. Messi scored from the spot, making Saudi keeper dive the wrong way.
Al Shehri leveled in the 48th minute, controlling a pass by Feras Al Brikan and fired his left-footed shot into the bottom right corner of the post.
Salem Al Dawsari scored five minutes later controlling the ball that rebounded after the Argentine goalkeeper blocked Nawaf Al Abid’s powerful shot.
Argentina had 15 shots with six on the target. But Saudi Arabia was more clinical scoring two from two shots on the target.
