The Group C win for Saudi Arabia brought an end to the third ranked Argentina's 36-match unbeaten run, and it was also the first time since 2009 that the Argentines have lost a match in which their captain, Lionel Messi, scored.

Argentina took the lead with a penalty, thanks to Messi, but Saudi Arabia fought back and equalised three minutes after halftime through Saleh Alshehri, before taking the lead five minutes later on a brilliant strike from the captain, Salem Al-Dawsari.

Despite wave after wave of attack by Argentina, Saudi Arabia held on for the win to shock the footballing world.

This was the biggest upset at a Football World Cup since 2002 when Senegal beat the then-champions, France, 1-0 at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in South Korea.

Saudi Arabia's next match will be on Saturday, when they face Poland at the Education City Stadium, while Argentina will be up against Mexico in Lusail.

 Morgan Piek OFM Sport