Saudi Arabia declared a public holiday after the teams’ historic World Cup win over Argentina, with two quick second half goals
Workers, students, and all Saudis will have a full day to celebrate their historic 2-1 win over Argentina.
The win marks one of the biggest and most historic upsets in football history after Argentina surrendered their 35 matches unbeaten run to the less-fancied Saudi Arabia side.
Following the holiday declaration, both private and public sectors of the Saudi Arabian economy will temporarily halt as workers take a day off to celebrate an historic and incredible win by the team.
Saudi Arabia is 51st on the FIFA ranking and were ruled out as minnows both in the Group and the tournament as a whole. Pulling that great result against a star-studded Argentina squad was the least expected outcome.
Argentina did not go into the game as favorites to win the Group but as top favorites to win the competition after emerging winners of the 2021 Copa America trophy, defeating host Brazil – another top-rated side.
Ranked third in the world and parading the world’s best player ever – Lionel Messi – the Argentines were expected to devour the Saudis, but it turned out the reverse – a development that shocked the world.
Saudi Arabia gave no clue that they will emerge victors in the game after they had a sloppy and unimpressive start. They were dominated by the star-studded Argentines.
Just 10 minutes into the game, they were already down by a lone goal after seven times Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi scored from the penalty spot to give the Argentines the lead.
Despite taking the lead, Argentina still dominated play and hit the back of the net again for a second goal but was ruled offside.
Despite playing second fiddle to Argentina, they were able to successfully stopped Argentina from doing more damages by scoring more goals then the South American team. The first half ended with Argentina maintaining their 1-0 lead.
The second half was the turning point of the game. Early in the second half, Saudi Arabia mounted intense pressure at the Argentina defence, before finally tearing it apart.
Saleh Al-Shehri scored in the 48th minutes to level the scores for the Arabians. Just five minutes later, Al-Dawsaris scored from the edge of the penalty area to make it 2-1 for the Saudi’s.
Where is Messi 👀 pic.twitter.com/9AlPHpKf4k
— بـوصـالـح (@QaTaR___999) November 23, 2022
Saudi fans went wild in the stadium with celebrations as Lionel Messi and his Argentina went shell-shocked with the surprise comeback.
Argentina tried to pull an equaliser and come back into the game but were effectively checked and stopped by the Saudi Arabia defence.
After the final whistle, it was all joy for the Saudi Arabia fans as the team pulled a historic shocker against the tournament’s favorite.
Apart from from the Saudi fans at the stadium, the celebrations spilled into Saudi Arabia with fans at home hitting the streets of Saudi Arabia to celebrate the win.
In the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh, scenes of football fans who had watched the game trouping into the streets with the Saudi flag were everywhere.
Saudi Press Agency reported that Saudi King, King Salman, has declared a holiday for the Saudis to continue in their celebration on November 23.
It was indeed a great moment for the players and the fans, including the Saudi hierarchy as they opened their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign with a landmark win.
Saudi Arabia now has two matches remaining against Poland and Mexico, and will hope to build on their victory against Argentina to boost their chances of qualifying to the round of 16.
