The Lineups
Argentina and Saudi Arabia faced each other in the FIFA World Cup 2022 Group C opener. The lineups for both teams were as follows:
Argentina:
- Emiliano Martinez (GK)
- Nahuel Molina (RB)
- Cristian Romero (CB)
- Nicolas Otamendi (CB)
- Nicolas Tagliafico (LB)
- Rodrigo De Paul (CM)
- Leandro Paredes (CM)
- Angel Di Maria (RW)
- Lionel Messi (CAM)
- Alejandro Gomez (LW)
- Lautaro Martinez (ST)
Saudi Arabia:
- Mohammed Al-Owais (GK)
- Abdulrahman Al-Obaid (RB)
- Ali Al-Bulaihi (CB)
- Yasser Al-Shahrani (CB)
- Hassan Tambakti (LB)
- Salman Al-Faraj (CM)
- Abdullah Otayf (CM)
- Salem Al-Dawsari (RW)
- Hussain Al-Mogahwi (CAM)
- Saleh Al-Shehri (LW)
- Abdulrahman Ghareeb (ST)
Argentina’s lineup was led by Lionel Scaloni, with the Albiceleste featuring a strong starting eleven. The team’s attack was spearheaded by Lionel Messi, who was supported by the likes of Angel Di Maria and Alejandro Gomez. The midfield was anchored by Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes, while the defence was marshalled by Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi. Emiliano Martinez was in goal.
Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, opted for a more defensive lineup, with Salem Al-Dawsari and Saleh Al-Shehri providing the width in attack. The midfield duo of Salman Al-Faraj and Abdullah Otayf were tasked with providing support to the attackers, while the defence was anchored by Ali Al-Bulaihi and Yasser Al-Shahrani. Mohammed Al-Owais was in goal for the Green Falcons.
Overall, both teams fielded strong lineups, with Argentina’s attack looking particularly dangerous, while Saudi Arabia’s defence looked solid. The match ended 2-1 in favour of Saudi Arabia, with Lionel Messi scoring Argentina’s only goal from the penalty spot.
The Match
On Tuesday, 22nd November 2022, the Argentina National Football Team faced off against the Saudi Arabia National Football Team in the FIFA World Cup Group C match at Lusail Iconic Stadium. The match saw Lionel Messi lead the Argentine team, while Herve Renard’s Saudi Arabian side looked to cause a World Cup shock.
Argentina started strong, with Messi scoring a penalty in the 10th minute to give his team an early lead. However, Saudi Arabia quickly responded, with Salem Al-Dawsari scoring in the 53rd minute to level the score. The Saudi Arabian team continued to push forward, and in the 48th minute, Fahad Al-Muwallad assisted Salman Al-Shehri to score the second goal for the team.
Despite Argentina’s efforts to equalize, the Saudi Arabian team held their ground and secured a 2-1 victory. The attendance at the Lusail Stadium was 80,000, with fans from both sides cheering on their teams.
The victory for Saudi Arabia was a significant upset, as Argentina was one of the favourites to win the World Cup. The defeat also ended Argentina’s unbeaten run in the competition, which dated back to their victory in 1994.
With this victory, Saudi Arabia moved up to second place in the Group C standings, behind Var’s team, while Argentina had to settle for third place. The result also gave Saudi Arabia a chance to advance to the last 16 of the World Cup.
The match was officiated by Slavko Vincic, and the Saudi Arabian goalkeeper played a crucial role in securing the victory for his team. The match also marked Messi’s final tilt at World Cup glory, as the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner suffered an Achilles tear in the following year’s Copa America.
Historical Context
Argentina and Saudi Arabia have faced off against each other on several occasions in the past. However, their most memorable encounter was during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, where Argentina emerged victorious with a 2-0 win. This victory helped them to secure their place in the knockout stages of the tournament.
Argentina has a rich history in football, having won the FIFA World Cup twice, in 1978 and 1986. They have also had several successful runs in the tournament, including an unbeaten run in the group stages of the 2014 World Cup. Despite this, they have also faced their fair share of defeats, including the shocking 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia during the 2022 World Cup.
On the other hand, Saudi Arabia has been making strides in recent years, with their victory over Argentina in the 2022 World Cup being hailed as one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history. They have also had several successful runs in the Asian Cup, winning the tournament three times.
When it comes to their lineups, both Argentina and Saudi Arabia have had some notable players over the years. Argentina has had legendary players such as Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, while Saudi Arabia has had players such as Sami Al-Jaber and Yasser Al-Qahtani.
Overall, the history between Argentina and Saudi Arabia in football has been a mix of victories and defeats for both sides. With both teams constantly evolving and improving, it will be interesting to see how they fare against each other in their future encounters.
Key Players
When it comes to the Argentina national football team, there is no doubt that Lionel Messi is the star player. He is an exceptional talent and has been instrumental in Argentina’s success over the years. Messi is a forward and has the ability to score goals from almost any position on the pitch. He is also a great passer of the ball and can create chances for his teammates.
Another key player for Argentina is Emiliano Martinez. He is the goalkeeper for the team and has been in excellent form in recent years. Martinez is a great shot-stopper and has the ability to make crucial saves that can keep his team in the game.
In defence, Argentina has some solid players such as Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi. Romero is a centre-back and is known for his strength and aerial ability. Otamendi is also a centre-back and is a veteran of the team. He is a great leader and can organise the defence well.
In midfield, Argentina has some talented players such as Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes. De Paul is a central midfielder and is known for his work rate and ability to win the ball back. Paredes is also a central midfielder and is known for his passing ability and vision.
For Saudi Arabia, Salman Al-Faraj is a key player in midfield. He is a central midfielder and is known for his ability to control the tempo of the game. Al-Faraj is also a good passer of the ball and can create chances for his teammates.
In attack, Saudi Arabia has some dangerous players such as Saleh Al-Shehri and Fahad Al-Muwallad. Al-Shehri is a forward and is known for his pace and dribbling ability. Al-Muwallad is also a forward and is known for his finishing ability.
Overall, both teams have some talented players who can make a difference in the game. It will be interesting to see how the coaches set up their teams and which players they choose to start.
The Coaches
Argentina is managed by Lionel Scaloni, who has been in charge of the national team since 2018. Scaloni has had a successful career as a footballer, playing for clubs such as Deportivo La Coruña, Lazio and West Ham United. As a coach, he has previously worked as an assistant manager at Sevilla, before taking over as the head coach of the Argentina national team.
On the other hand, Saudi Arabia is managed by Herve Renard, a French football coach who has managed several national teams, including Morocco, Ivory Coast and Zambia. Renard has won the Africa Cup of Nations twice, with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015. He is known for his tactical prowess and his ability to motivate his players.
Both Scaloni and Renard have a wealth of experience in football, and they have both been successful in their respective careers. They have different coaching styles, with Scaloni favouring an attacking style of play, while Renard is known for his defensive tactics.
Scaloni has a talented squad at his disposal, with players such as Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala. Renard, on the other hand, has a young and relatively inexperienced team, but they have already shown that they are capable of causing upsets, as they did in their shock win over Argentina.
In this match, it will be interesting to see how both coaches approach the game, and how they set up their teams. Will Scaloni stick with his attacking style of play, or will he adopt a more cautious approach? Will Renard try to catch Argentina on the counter-attack, or will he look to defend deep and frustrate his opponents?
Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – both coaches will be doing everything they can to ensure that their team comes out on top in this crucial Group C encounter.
The Venue
The match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia will take place at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Lusail, Qatar. This stadium is one of the eight venues that will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The stadium has a seating capacity of 80,000 and is located in the Lusail City district, which is a planned city that is currently under construction.
The Lusail Iconic Stadium is a state-of-the-art facility that features a retractable roof and a cooling system that will help to maintain a comfortable temperature for players and fans alike. The stadium is designed to resemble a traditional Arab tent, with a golden exterior that is meant to evoke the desert sand.
The stadium is expected to be one of the main attractions of the World Cup, with its impressive design and modern amenities. The stadium is located in an area that is easily accessible by public transportation, and there are plans to build a new metro line that will connect the stadium to other parts of the city.
Overall, the Lusail Iconic Stadium is a fitting venue for a match between two of the world’s top football teams. Its modern design and state-of-the-art amenities are sure to provide an unforgettable experience for fans and players alike.
The Fans
The match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia was a highly anticipated game, with fans from both teams showing their support. The Lusail Stadium was filled with an electric atmosphere as fans cheered and chanted for their respective teams.
The attendance for the match was high, with thousands of fans turning up to watch the game live. The Argentinian fans were particularly vocal, with many donning the famous blue and white stripes of their national team. The Saudi Arabian fans were also present in large numbers, waving their national flags and singing traditional songs.
As the match progressed, the tension in the stadium grew, with both sets of fans urging their teams on. The atmosphere was electric, with fans from both teams creating a carnival-like atmosphere. The noise levels were deafening, with fans shouting and singing throughout the match.
Despite the result not going in favour of the Argentinian team, the fans continued to support their team till the end. The Saudi Arabian fans were ecstatic with the result, and their celebrations continued long after the final whistle.
Overall, the fans played an important role in making the match an unforgettable experience. The passion and energy displayed by both sets of fans were a testament to the love and support they have for their respective teams.
Post-Match Analysis
Argentina and Saudi Arabia faced off in their Group C opener at the 2022 World Cup. The match was played at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, and it was a highly anticipated game as it featured some of the best players in the world.
The match started off well for Argentina as they were awarded a penalty in the 10th minute, which was converted by Lionel Messi. However, Saudi Arabia produced an astonishing second-half comeback to stun pre-tournament favourites Argentina 2-1.
The Saudi team came out strong in the second half and were able to score two goals in quick succession. Al Shehri scored the first goal in the 48th minute, and Al Dawsari scored the second goal in the 53rd minute.
Argentina tried to get back into the game, but they were unable to find the back of the net. The Saudi team defended well and held on to their lead until the final whistle.
This was a significant victory for Saudi Arabia, as they were able to beat one of the best teams in the world. The result puts them in a good position in Group C, and they will be looking to build on this win in their next match.
Argentina, on the other hand, will be disappointed with the result. They started the game well but were unable to maintain their lead. They will need to regroup quickly and come back stronger in their next match.
Overall, this was a thrilling match that showcased the quality of both teams. The victory for Saudi Arabia was well deserved, and they will be looking to carry this momentum into their next match.
The Tournament
The Argentina national football team faced off against the Saudi Arabia national football team in the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The match was part of Group C, which also included the likes of Egypt and Uruguay.
Argentina entered the tournament on the back of an unbeaten run in their qualifying campaign. The team was led by Lionel Messi, who was looking to win his first World Cup title. The team was expected to progress to the last 16 of the tournament comfortably.
On the other hand, Saudi Arabia was considered an underdog in the tournament. The team had not won a World Cup match since 1994 and was not expected to cause any major upsets. However, the team produced a World Cup shock by defeating Argentina 2-1 in their opening match of the tournament.
The match saw both teams field strong lineups, with Messi leading the Argentine attack. Saudi Arabia’s Saleh Al-Shehri returned from an Achilles tear in October and was declared fully fit for the game. The centre-forward for Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal played a crucial role in the team’s victory, scoring a goal in the 48th minute.
Overall, the match was a thrilling encounter, with both teams putting in strong performances. The result was a major upset, and it set the tone for what would be an unpredictable and exciting 2022 World Cup.
Global Impact
The Argentina vs Saudi Arabia football match was not only a major event for the two countries, but it also had a significant impact on the global football community. The match was watched by millions of people around the world, and it generated a lot of interest and discussion among football fans.
Argentina is one of the most successful footballing nations in the world, having won two World Cups and numerous other international tournaments. The team is known for its attacking style of play and for producing some of the greatest footballers in history, including Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona.
Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, is a team that is still trying to establish itself on the global football stage. The team has only qualified for the World Cup on five occasions and has never progressed beyond the round of 16. However, the team has been making steady progress in recent years and has been working hard to improve its performance.
The match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia was therefore an important one for both teams. For Argentina, it was an opportunity to showcase their talent and demonstrate that they are still one of the best teams in the world. For Saudi Arabia, it was a chance to prove that they can compete with the best and that they are a team to be reckoned with.
The match also had an impact on other footballing nations around the world. Teams such as Brazil, Germany, France, and England will have been watching the match closely, as they are all potential contenders for the World Cup. The performance of Argentina and Saudi Arabia will have given these teams an idea of what to expect from their opponents and will have helped them to prepare for their own matches.
In addition, the match had an impact on the global football transfer market. Players such as Lionel Messi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, are always in demand, and their performance in high-profile matches such as this one can influence the decisions of clubs looking to sign them.
Overall, the Argentina vs Saudi Arabia match was a significant event for the global football community. It showcased the talent and potential of both teams and had an impact on other footballing nations around the world.