World | “I thought it would be the easiest match”: Argentina's disappointment after shocking defeat to Saudi Arabia (and Arab delirium)
The fans witnessed an epic comeback from Saudi Arabia.
Photo: ODD ANDERSEN / Getty Images
Saudi Arabia’s goals against Argentina are a green earthquake in the zone destined for his fans next to the Bay of Doha. Saudi supporters jump, scream, freak out , take selfies, record videos. They immortalize with images what is already engraved forever in their memories.
“Today is the history of the World Cup. Saudi Arabia beat Argentina and Messi. Everybody saw it,” an ecstatic fan inside this fan zone tells the BBC Arabic service.
An illusion that became a nightmare: Argentina loses 2-1 to Saudi Arabia in Qatar’s first upset 17984
Saudi Arabia made history by beating Argentina 2-1 after trailing on the scoreboard. Saleh al Shehri scored the first and Salem al Dawsari the second. Between the two goals barely five minutes passed. It was almost a delirium.
And a contrast with the unexpected albiceleste disappointment.
From the Argentine carnival to the Saudi party
With During the first hours of sunshine, the streets of Qatar and the metro from the capital to the Lusail stadium were filled with white and blue jerseys.
The Argentines put a soundtrack to the surroundings from the stadium more than three hours before the game.
They paid tributes to Diego (Maradona), praised Messi, danced, played drums and they hoarsed their throats singing.
Both Saudi Arabia and Argentina are among the ten teams that attract the most fans to Qatar, although the furor for the albiceleste is not is only shared by the Argentines themselves, but also by several thousand migrants from countries such as India, Nepal or Bangladesh living in the small Gulf country.
With the goal and Argentina’s partial victory at halftime, it seemed that the gaucho party would go on, but the albiceleste silenced and Saudi celebrations erupted shortly after the second half started with the two goals.
Party in the streets and Arab pride Saudi Arabian supporters took over Doha to celebrate victory.
A the arrival in the fan zone of Saudi Arabia runs the minute 80 of party. Before distinguishing what the marker shows, the fuss is heard. You sound trumpets, there is noise. Saudi Arabia wins 2-1 and fights to keep the result with the knife between its teeth.
The feat is not easy. In addition, the game lasts beyond the eight minutes added after the 80′. The Saudis protest and whistle nervously against what they consider to be too long an extension by the referee.
Then finally the end whistles and madness breaks out .
To grant the interviews, the Saudis must momentarily interrupt their party.
They speak between gasps.
“Saudi Arabia was excellent. They did a great job. They fought and that is what we want, that the Arab countries do that”, says one of the fans interviewed by the Arabic service of the BBC.
“Nobody expected this result. All the expectations said that Argentina was going to win 4-0 or 5-0, but history has been made”, comments another.
At the end of the game , Two children wave Saudi Arabian flags from the back seat of a luxurious white Mercedes Benz as they pass through a large avenue.
While BBC Mundo speaks to an Argentine fan, a Saudi sympathizer interrupts with a shout in the distance, raises his fist and smiles. It’s his day and he wants the world to know it.
Argentinian disappointment
Few Argentines are seen in the bay of Doha immediately after the game.
They have faces of few friends and you have to insist so that they agree to talk.
“There were high expectations. I thought it would be the easiest game in the World Cup, but it didn’t happen,” Gastón Caoutsiers Morell, an albiceleste fan, told BBC Mundo.
Camila Toledochipi, another Argentine fan, remains incredulous. “We took 56 unbeaten matches and we lost against Saudi Arabia. I swear to you that I am very confused, but with a lot of faith in the team, ”she says.
Argentina have Mexico and Poland left in this group stage. Two games that Messi’s team will play on the wire, which experts consider one of the favorites to lift the cup.
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