Saudi Arabia sent the entire world into frenzy when they secured a sensational 2-1 win over Argentina in their FIFA World Cup 2022 Group C opener on Tuesday (November 22). When everyone was expecting Messi and Co. to secure an easy win, Saudi came from nowhere to surprise everybody. They were trailing by a goal to nil at the break after Messi converted from the spot in the 10th minute. But after the change of ends, Saudi Arabia did the unthinkable and scored two goals in quick succession to stun everybody.
After taking a shocking lead, the Saudis went into defensive mode and did everything to protect their lead, which in the end proved to be enough as they managed to go on and win the contest by 2-1. The win over Argentina has now put them on the cusp of securing a place in the Round of 16 for the first time in the history of the FIFA World Cup. On the other hand, Argentina is on the verge of getting knocked out at the group stage only.
The game between Argentina and Saudi Arabia changed after the half-time break, and now, in a video that is going viral on the internet, it has been revealed what Saudi coach Herve Renard said to his players that led to the change in their approach.
He accused his players of wanting to take pictures with Lionel Messi in a rousing team talk. He said that too much respect was being shown to the Argentine legend, who had little impact on proceedings once any supposed thoughts of taking selfies were put to one side.
“What are we doing here?” asked the 54-year-old Frenchman, who had previously managed Zambia, Ivory Coast, and Morocco as well as Ligue 1 club Lille.
“Doesn’t mean, Messi, in the middle of the pitch, he has the ball, you stand in front of the defence, take your phone, you can make a picture with him if you want! He has the ball. You are in front of their defence!! He has nobody!! Did you see what you did!? You don’t feel we are going to come back!? You don’t feel it!? They play relaxed. Come on!! Come on guys!!! This is the World Cup!! “Give everything!” he exclaimed in response to the press effort.
Renard’s words did create an impact, and Saudi Arabia, after the change of ends, hit back twice with two stunning strikes from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari.
After securing all three points against Argentina, the Asian giants will next take on Poland on Saturday (November 26), and a win at the Education City Stadium will take them to the Round of 16.
