Supporters of Saudi Arabia’s team erupt in celebrations after 2-1 shock victory over tournament favourites.
“This is my first World Cup match, and I get to see Saudi Arabia beat Argentina,” said the Green Falcons fan, moments after witnessing his team defeat the Qatar 2022 favourites
Two quick goals by Saleh al-Shehri and Salem al-Dawsari early in the second half stunned the Argentinian side, which had taken an early lead with a Lionel Messi penalty in the 10th minute.
“After that second goal, I thought we could go up 4-1,” said Fahd al-Kanani, a fan who travelled to Qatar from Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh.
“I was not worried like some of my friends were,” the 25-year-old said. “All we had to do was defend. The pressure was all on Argentina.”
The Argentinians did apply pressure, but a series of saves from the Saudi goalkeeper, Mohammed Al-Owais, kept the scoreline intact and in favour of the underdogs
The end of the agonising game, which had about 15 minutes of injury time, found the Saudi players on the pitch overjoyed and their fans in the stands on their feet and jumping.
For the Green Falcons fans, however, all that matters is now – and their team’s greatest victory ever.