Saudi Arabia has been a regular name in the World Cup since 1994, missing just two editions since then. The 2018 edition was not a good tournament. They lost the first match of the tournament 5-0 to hosts Russia. This time around, on the other hand, they have had an iconic win against Argentina. Coming back to win 2-1 from 1-0 behind led to the biggest upset of the tournament so far.
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Saudi Arabia faces Poland in their next match and could well make it past the group stage this time, should some other results fall their way. They looked defensively very solid against Lionel Messi-led Argentina and held a very high line. Their offside trap hailed huge praise from many fans all over the world. A leaked half-time team talk from their manager Herve Renard went viral on social media for his passion and smart tactics.
Are Saudi Arabian soccer players really getting Rolls Royce for beating Lionel Messi-led Argentina?
Saudi Arabia have been a regular name in the World Cup since 1994, missing just two editions since then. The 2018 edition was not a good tournament. They lost the first match of the tournament 5-0 to hosts Russia. This time around, on the other hand, they have had an iconic win against Argentina. Coming back to win 2-1 from 1-0 behind led to the biggest upset of the tournament so far. The manager has denied that the players will get a Rolls Royce as they have a long way to go before the group stage ends.
22 نوفمبر 2022
يَـــــــــوم لا يُنسى 💚🇸🇦#كواليس_الأخضر ☕ 🎧 pic.twitter.com/qnLF2nxv48— المنتخب السعودي (@SaudiNT) November 24, 2022
Saudi Arabian players have been hailed as heroes in their country and by their support in Qatar as well. If Argentina are to make their way out of the group, they will have to win their remaining games against Mexico and Poland. Saudi Arabia have positioned themselves very well to make their way out of the group, and face Poland next.
State holiday declared in Saudi Arabia after a monumental win
Following the huge upset against Argentina, Saudi Arabian officials declared a state holiday. All state and private sector employees were given holidays, along with students as well. The celebrations in the stadium were a sight to behold as well. Saudi Arabian fans have bought the second most tickets by any country in this edition’s World Cup so far, only behind hosts Qatar.
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has announced a public holiday tomorrow to celebrate their win against Argentina 🇸🇦🙌 pic.twitter.com/5huEvTdbKz
— 433 (@433) November 22, 2022
Salem Aldawsari’s goal was a wonder strike from near the edge of the box. Manager Herve Renard, who has managed teams like Morocco and Ligue 1 side Lille, has received huge praise as well. His high line caught out Argentine attackers on multiple occasions, with the ball in behind rendered useless by the pace of Saudi Arabian center-backs.