After an unexpected 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in their World Cup opener on Tuesday, Argentina’s 36-game unbeaten streak has finally come to an end.
Argentina entered the competitions as one of the favorites to win the event following their 5-0 friendly victory over United Arab Emirates, which extended their unbeaten streak to 36 games.
In the 10th minute, the Lionel Scaloni team gained the advantage when they were given a penalty when the referee noticed a foul on Paredes on the VAR screen.
Al Owais made a poor diving attempt, but Lionel Messi, who has indicated that this will be his final World Cup, successfully converted the penalty shot.
The South American team scored three more goals in the first half—two by Martinez and one by Messi—but they were all reversed for offside.
Saudi Arabia failed to try a single shot in the first 45 minutes.
As Saudi Arabia kept a very high line, seven offside flags were issued in the first half against Argentina players.
ALSHEHRI EQUALISES! ??
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They were successful in the first half, and they immediately turned the tide of the game in the second, scoring twice in five minutes.
Salem Al Dawsari pulled off an incredible goal five minutes later to give his team the lead after Saleh Al Shehri had started the Saudi Arabian comeback in the 48th minute with a deflection from Romero.
At the end of the game, Saudi Arabia grabbed the victory and all three points thanks to his magnificent curling strike.
Al Owais, the Saudi goalkeeper, produced five outstanding saves during the game, and in the 92nd, substitute Al Amri cleared the ball off the goal line to ensure his team’s 2-1 victory.