Saudi Arabia celebrates stunning FIFA WC win against Argentina

In one of the greatest upsets in the World Cup’s history, Argentina suffered a shocking 2-1 loss at the hands of minnows Saudi Arabia in the Group C opener. Celebrations erupted across Saudi Arabia as ardent supporters formed impromptu dance circles and waved the national flag from the windows of speeding cars to celebrate their sensational win over Lionel Messi's Argentina -- an outcome that ranks as one of the greatest shocks in the tournament’s 92-year history. Nobody was more surprised though than the Saudis themselves.

One of the top contenders at the FIFA World Cup 2022, Argentina suffered a huge blow from the World No. 51 Saudi Arabia. They suffered a shocking 2-1 loss in the Group C opener. Credit: AP Photo

None of the 88,012 spectators at the Losail Stadium had the faintest idea that the Asian minnows will upstage their famous rivals when the match kicked off. Credit: AFP Photo

Lionel Messi opened the scoring with a penalty kick to give Argentina a 1-0 lead but it was all Saudi Arabia from there, snapping Argentina's 36-match unbeaten streak. Credit: AFP Photo

But in the end Saudi Arabia walked away with full points thanks to goals from Saleh Al and Salem Al Dawsari. Credit: AFP Photo

Saleh Al-Shehri bumped a low shot into the net in the 48th minute. Salem Al-Dawsari angled in a second goal, deflected by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, from the penalty area in the 53rd minute. Credit: AFP Photo

Argentina had a chance to work at least a draw and held possession for much of the match, but near-misses told the story instead. Nicolas Tagliafico might have had Argentina's best angle at a second goal only to be denied by a brilliant save from Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais. Credit: AFP Photo

Abdulelah Al Amri was awarded the 'Player of the Match' award for his brilliant performance. Credit: AFP Photo

Crowds gathered in large numbers to watch the match on giant video screens at specially planned public viewings, holding their hands to their faces in disbelief as the Saudis overturned Argentina’s early lead and then jabbing their fists into the air after the game-winning goal. Credit: AFP Photo

Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman and Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud pose for a photo as they celebrate after their team's win in Riyadh. Credit: Reuters Photo

A Saudi football fan with face paint poses during celebrations of Saudi Arabia's win over Argentina in the Qatar 2022 World Cup in Riyadh. Credit: AFP Photo

Saudi Arabia fans celebrate their team's win in Souq Waqif, Doha. Credit: Reuters Photo