First World Cup upset: Saudi Arabia defeats Argentina in thrilling comeback

The first big surprise of the World Cup in Qatar has occurred. Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina by 2-1 in a match which "La Albiceleste" should have won comfortably. With Argentina posed to top Group C, they were unable to overcome a Saudi Arabia team with great aspirations for this tournament.

The Argentinian team, coached by Lionel Scaloni, took the lead with a penalty from Leo Messi. Argentina, who clearly dominated the first half, managed to put the ball into the net twice more, but both goals were disallowed for offside.

Despite the slow start, Saudi Arabia came out of the locker room revitalized after halftime. Right from the start of the second half, the Middle Eastern side drew level with a strike from Saleh Al-Shehri, and five minutes later, an incredible goal from Salem Al-Dawsari put Saudi Arabia in the lead.

After the defeat, Argentina's captain and star player Leo Messi said that "there is no excuse" for the defeat against an inferior opponent in terms of both quality and cohesion.

The King of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz, decreed a national holiday on Wednesday in his country after the victory of his national team.