Title co-favourites, Argentina, suffered a huge shock in their World Cup opening match when they were defeated 2-1 by Saudi Arabia in Group C on Tuesday.
The Argentines had their three goals ruled out during the encounter.
Superstar Lionel Messi broke the deadlock for Argentina from the spot in the 10th minute, as the South American seemed to have the game under control.
But they were soon frustrated as Messi and Lautaro Martinez, twice, were tricked by a strong Saudi defensive line and saw their goals ruled out for offside.
Argentina held on to their lead until the break but were stunned in the 48th minute when Saleh Al-Shehri, Saudi’s top scorer in qualifying, beat a sleepy defence to equalize.
Messi and his team-mates were once again astonished when Salem Al-Dawsari took a rebound and curled the ball into the top corner to fire Saudi Arabia into the lead.
Saudi keeper Mohammed Al-Owais was also crucial to secure their first-ever win against Argentina, after he made fantastic saves to deny Nicolas Tagliafico from close range and a late Messi header.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s sensational 2-1 victory over Argentina on Tuesday at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar has sparked euphoria in the Islamic kingdom.
Saudi media on Tuesday labelled one of the tournament’s greatest ever shocks as a “historic victory” and a “heroes’ fairytale.”
Saudi Arabia’s goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais was particularly praised, with his saves securing the win against the heavy favourites in the Lusail Stadium, north of Doha.
“A thousand, thousand congratulations, heroes,” wrote Saudi Sports Minister Abdalaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal on Twitter.
The head of the Saudi entertainment authority, influential sports official Turki Al-Sheikh, gave free entry to three amusement parks to celebrate the victory.
Supporters of the royal family also tried to exploit the success politically.
They pointed out that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had not put the team under pressure when receiving them before the World Cup, thus paving the way for success.
Bin Salman who is the heir to the throne and son of King Salman is the real strongman in Saudi Arabia.
