Argentina vs Saudi Arabia: 5 things we learned

What makes the World Cup so fascinating is not just the chance to see lots of goals and the world’s best players on display. Rather, it’s the chance that the underdogs can also pull off major upsets on the world’s biggest football stage.

Four years ago, Croatia were a highly unfancied side, yet they made it to the final. Although the Vatreni were beaten 4-2 by a much better France side, they did eliminate an England team that had been hyped up as finally “bringing it home” based on the strong performances of Gareth Southgate’s team.

Well, the 2022 World Cup is just in its early days, with only the second full day of matches taking place today. Already, fans have seen their first major upset, as Saudi Arabia, who are one of the lowest-ranking teams taking part, beat Argentina 2-1 to send shockwaves all over the world.

Prior to the match, most pundits, fans, and casual observers had figured it would be all one-way traffic. And why shouldn’t they? Argentina had not lost a match since 2019, and were on a 36 game unbeaten run. Saudi Arabia, for their part, have historically struggled at World Cups, and have been on the wrong end of some upsetting score-lines, including their unfortunate 5-0 loss four years ago in Russia.

But what makes the beautiful game that much more beautiful is the opportunity for major surprises, and following Argentina’s shock loss, there is certainly plenty to unpack.

Here are five key things we learned following Argentina’s surprise capitulation to Saudi Arabia in their group stage opener.

VAR still has its issues

Early on, Argentina were given a penalty, which definitely caused some moaning in the English press. No, not because they were necessarily cheering for Saudi Arabia, but because English fans felt aggrieved that the Three Lions were not given one due to the rugby tackle an Iranian player performed on Harry Maguire as they were jostling for position during a corner kick. In England’s case, the referee opted to wave on play, while Argentina received one for a seemingly “milder” challenge, which Lionel Messi stepped up and converted without much fuss.

Hopefully, we will see more consistency as the tournament goes on, as VAR is supposed to pick up things the referee can’t see by himself.

Poor timing costs Argentina

Argentina saw not one, not two, but three goals called off for offside during the first half. Inter’s Lautaro Martinez was guilty of two of those infractions, while Messi also found his second goal cancelled during a very frustrating half for Lionel Scaloni’s men. Had one or more of those goals counted, Saudi Arabia would have been done and dusted even before the first 45 was over, but it wasn’t to be.

Herve Renad gives a masterclass in rallying the troops

Whatever the French tactician told his players during half-time clearly had a massive effect, as Saudi Arabia came out of the tunnel a totally different side. Far from appearing to be the same timid team that were understandably quite nervous about facing the 2021 Copa America winners, the Falcons began to soar and take the game to Argentina.

It took just three minutes for Saleh Al-Shehri to get the Saudi fans on their feat thanks to his brilliant equalizer, and far from ducking back in their shells and trying to hang on for a point, Saudi Arabia rapidly grew in confidence. They clearly believed they could pull it off, and Salem Al-Dawsari helped his side write their name in the history books by snatching a second that send the Saudi fans into absolute delirium.

Even if Saudi Arabia don’t get out of their group – although at this point, they just may be fancying their chances – this game will not be forgotten for ages to come.

Argentina not without flaws

Despite their 36 match unbeaten streak – which came to an abrupt end – Argentina are not without their flaws. While this team is viewed as the strongest and most balanced in some time, one area of concern continues to be their defense and namely, their midfield. This was something Saudi Arabia were able to explore to devastating effect, and once they grabbed the equalizer, the cards began to crumble for Argentina.

That does not make for good reading for a team seeking to win their third World Cup. Yes, they are the heavy favorites, but even top ranked teams can concede a goal against a lower ranked opponent. They need to be able to shake it off quickly, move on, and look to assert their superiority on the match to try to regain control. Otherwise, against stronger teams, Argentina run the risk of being overwhelmed quickly once their opponents find that weakness and, if they are not careful, could see this highly anticipated World Cup turn into a nightmare.

Mexico and Poland will be watching closely

Argentina were rated as the heavy favorites to top the group, but this result will certainly give both Mexico and Poland hope. The two will go toe to toe later today in a game that many have expected will help decide who finishes second, but following the Argentina disaster against Saudi Arabia, both Mexico and Poland will truly fancy their chances at not just picking up at least a point against the South American giants, but possibly even finishing top of their quartet and ending up with a better draw in the round of 16.