Mandatory Credit: Photo by Marcio Machado/SPP/Shutterstock (13634534bp) Estádio Lusail Saleh Al-Shehri da Arábia Saudita comemora apos marca gol (1-1) durante partida entre Argentina e Arabia Saudita, válida pela fase de grupos da Copa do Mundo, realizada no Estádio Lusail em Lusail, Catar. (Marcio Machado/SPP) Argentina vs Saudi Arabia, Estadio Lusail, Lusail, qatar – 22 Nov 2022
2022 World Cup Recap: Saudi Arabia stuns Argentina, defending champs cruise on a historic Tuesday
2022 World Cup Groups:
- Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands
- Group B: England, Iran, USA, Wales
- Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
- Group D: France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia
- Group E: Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan
- Group F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
- Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
- Group H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea
Tuesday’s Games:
SAUDI ARABIA 2, ARGENTINA 1
- What: World Cup, Group Stage (C): Matchday 1 of 3
- When: Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022 @ 4:00 a.m. CT
- Where: Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)
- FIFA World Ranking: Saudi Arabia No. 51, Argentina No. 3
Saudi Arabia (KSA) pulled off arguably the greatest upset in World Cup history with a 2-1 victory over Lionel Messi and Argentina on Tuesday morning at Lusail Iconic Stadium in Lusail, Qatar. The “Sons of the Desert” received the performance of a lifetime from 31-year-old goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, who registered a game-high five saves, to go along with two early second-half-goals within a five-minute stretch between the 48- and 53-minute markers from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari, respectively. Tuesday’s win for Saudi Arabia was actually the biggest upset in World Cup history in regard to “chance of victory,” according to sports data group Gracenote. The Saudis had a chance of victory of 8.7% heading into Monday’s contest, compared to the next lowest chance of victory of 9.5%, which dates back to the USA’s victory over England in 1950. Argentina appeared set for an early route when Lionel Messi scored on a penalty kick in the tenth minute and still led 1-0 at the half, but Saudi Arabia never relinquished. The Saudis totaled six yellow cards – all in the second half – and their defense constantly outmuscled the Argentine forwards despite Argentina holding clear edges in time of possession (69% to 31%), total shots (15 to three), shots on goal (six to two) and corner kicks (nine to two). The referees did not issue a single yellow card all game to Argentina, while Saudi Arabia scored twice on its only two shots on goal throughout the entire contest. Group C has officially been flipped on its head with Saudi Arabia now clearly in first place with three points, setting up a crucial Saturday matchup between Mexico and Argentina in what could be an elimination game for Messi’s final World Cup quest. Look for a tightly contested, defensive-minded affair here, as Mexico’s defense has played in top form for the past year.
Next (Saturday, Nov. 26)
Saudi Arabia (No. 51) vs. Poland (No. 26) @ 7:00 a.m. CT, Education City Stadium in Doha, Qatar
Argentina (No. 3) vs. Mexico (No. 13) @ 1:00 p.m. CT, Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)
DENMARK 0, TUNISIA 0 (DRAW)
- What: World Cup, Group Stage (D): Matchday 1 of 3
- When: Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022 @ 7:00 a.m. CT
- Where: Education City Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- FIFA World Ranking: Denmark No. 10, Tunisia No. 30
Defense took centerstage for both sides in Denmark’s 0-0 draw with Tunisia on Tuesday morning at Education City Stadium in Doha, Qatar. Denmark dominated time of possession (61% to 39%) and shots on goal (five to one) but failed to find the back of the net against a feisty Tunisian squad which tallied five saves from 25-year-old goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen. The “Eagles of Carthage” of Tunisia will now have a tremendous opportunity to put themselves in qualifying position with a date on Saturday against No. 38-ranked Australia, which dropped a 4-1 decision to France in its opening match. With a victory over Australia and a France win against Denmark, it could come down to the final matchday of Group D play to determine who qualifies for the knockout stage behind the defending world champion French side. Denmark, which had entered this match unbeaten in nine of its past 10 internationals, had a request for a late penalty kick denied for a handball which could have led to a win and three points. The referee, however, awarded Denmark with a free kick instead, as he determined there was a foul committed before the hand ball had occurred. It was a disappointing day for the Danish faithful overall though, as the pressure will certainly mount leading up to Saturday’s contest against No. 4-ranked France. An outright loss to the Frenchmen could put Denmark’s qualifying in serious jeopardy, especially if Tunisia is able to defeat No. 38-ranked Australia on that same morning.
Next (Saturday, Nov. 26)
Denmark (No. 10) vs. France (No. 4) @ 10:00 a.m. CT, Stadium 974 (Doha, Qatar)
Tunisia (No. 30) vs. Australia (No. 38) @ 4:00 a.m. CT, Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
MEXICO 0, POLAND 0 (DRAW)
- What: World Cup, Group Stage (C): Matchday 1 of 3
- When: Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022 @ 10:00 a.m. CT
- Where: Stadium 974 (Doha, Qatar)
- FIFA World Ranking: Mexico No. 13, Poland No. 26
It was another disappointing day for Polish megastar Robert Lewandowski on Tuesday after he missed a penalty kick which would have given Poland an outright and an ever-important three points in Group C play. Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa came up with yet another highlight-reel World Cup save to add to his resume, however, and it resulted in a 0-0 draw between Mexico and Poland at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar. Mexico seemingly held control of the ball for most of Monday’s matchup and finished the game with a 61% to 39% edge in time of possession and doubling up Poland in shots on goal (four to two). Although Mexico also attempted 11 shots to just six for Poland, “la Tri” still never challenged for quality shots for most of the contest and continued its goal-scoring struggles which began back in qualifying play. It is uncertain as to which team has the better matchup come Saturday, although most will still venture to say Poland has a clearer path to three points and win against a possibly fat-and-happy Saudi Arabian side. Mexico, on the other hand, will face a desperate Argentine squad which will be looking to avenge its 2-1 upset to the Saudis in opening Group C play.
Next (Saturday, Nov. 26)
Mexico (No. 13) vs. Argentina (No. 3) @ 1:00 p.m. CT, Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)
Poland (No. 26) vs. Saudi Arabia (No. 51) @ 7:00 a.m. CT, Education City Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
FRANCE 4, AUSTRALIA 1
- What: World Cup, Group Stage (D): Matchday 1 of 3
- When: Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022 @ 1:00 p.m. CT
- Where: Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
- FIFA World Ranking: France No. 4, Australia No. 38
Australia jumped out to an early 1-0 lead over the defending champs, but early glory faded quickly for “the Socceroos” as France’s four goals between the 27- and 71-minute marks en route to a dominant 4-1 victory. Olivier Giroud, a 36-year-old veteran foward, scored the second and fourth goals of the day for France in the 32nd minute and 71st minute, respectively, while superstar forward Kylian Mbappé added a goal on a header in the 68th minute which made the score 3-1. Australia’s Craig Goodwin’s goal in the ninth minute of action was all she wrote for Australia, which simply did not have the defensive firepower to contain the French side. France racked up a whopping 23 shots, including seven on goal, while Australia finished with just one shot on goal and only four shots overall. France also out-possessed Australia 62% to 38% while registering eight corner kick set pieces to just one for the Aussies. Adrien Rabiot’s header in the 27th minute tied the score at 1-1, and the French midfield attack dominated from there on out.
Next (Saturday, Nov. 26)
France (No. 4) vs. Denmark (No. 10) @ 11:00 a.m. CT, Stadium 974 (Doha, Qatar)
Australia (No. 38) vs. Tunisia (No. 30) @ 5:00 a.m. CT, Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
Wednesday’s Schedule (Nov. 23, 2022): Matchday 1 of 3
- Group F: Croatia (No. 12) vs. Morocco (No. 22)
- When, where: 5:00 a.m. CT, Al Bayt Stadium (Al Kohr, Qatar)
- Group E: Germany (No. 11) vs. Japan (No. 24)
- When, where: 8:00 a.m. CT, Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
- Group E: Spain (No. 7) vs. Costa Rica (No. 31)
- When, where: 11:00 a.m. CT, Al Thumama Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Group F: Belgium (No. 2) vs. Canada (No. 41)
- When, where: 2:00 p.m. CT, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
Thursday’s Schedule (Nov. 24, 2022): Matchday 1 of 3
- Group G: Switzerland (No. 15) vs. Cameroon (No. 43)
- When, where: 5:00 a.m. CT, Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
- Group H: Uruguay (No. 14) vs. South Korea (No. 28)
- When, where: 8:00 a.m. CT, Education City Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Group H: Portugal (No. 9) vs. Ghana (No. 61)
- When, where: 11:00 a.m. CT, Stadium 974 (Doha Qatar)
- Group G: Brazil (No. 1) vs. Serbia (No. 21)
- When, where: 2:00 p.m. CT, Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)
Friday’s Schedule (Nov. 25, 2022): Matchday 2 of 3
- Group B: Wales (No. 19) vs. Iran (No. 20)
- When, where: 5:00 a.m. CT, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
- Group A: Senegal (No. 18) vs. Qatar (No. 50)
- When, where: 8:00 a.m. CT, Al Thumama Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Group A: Nederland (No. 8) vs. Ecuador (No. 44)
- When, where: 11:00 a.m. CT, Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
- Group B: England (No. 5) vs. USA (No. 16)
- When, where: 2:00 p.m. CT, Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor, Qatar)
Saturday’s Schedule (Nov. 26, 2022): Matchday 2 of 3
- Group D: Tunisia (No. 30) vs. Australia (No. 38)
- When, where: 5:00 a.m. CT, Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
- Group C: Poland (No. 26) vs. Saudi Arabia (No. 51)
- When, where: 8:00 a.m. CT, Education City Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Group D: France (No. 4) vs. Denmark (No. 10)
- When, where: 11:00 a.m. CT, Stadium 974 (Doha, Qatar)
- Group C: Argentina (No. 3) vs. Mexico (No. 13)
- When, where: 2:00 p.m. CT, Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)
Sunday’s Schedule (Nov. 27, 2022): Matchday 2 of 3
- Group E: Japan (No. 24) vs. Costa Rica (No. 31)
- When, where: 5:00 a.m. CT, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
- Group F: Belgium (No. 2) vs. Morocco (No. 22)
- When, where: 8:00 a.m. CT, Al Thumama Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Group F: Croatia (No. 12) vs. Canada (No. 41)
- When, where: 11:00 a.m. CT, Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
- Group E: Spain (No. 7) vs. Germany (No. 11)
- When, where: 2:00 p.m. CT, Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor, Qatar)
Monday’s Schedule (Nov. 28, 2022): Matchday 2 of 3
- Group G: Serbia (No. 21) vs. Cameroon (No. 43)
- When, where: 5:00 a.m. CT, Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
- Group H: South Korea (No. 28) vs. Ghana (No. 61)
- When, where: 8:00 a.m. CT, Education City Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Group G: Brazil (No. 1) vs. Switzerland (No. 15)
- When, where: 11:00 a.m. CT, Stadium 974 (Doha, Qatar)
- Group H: Portugal (No. 9) vs. Uruguay (No. 14)
- When, where: 2:00 p.m. CT, Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)
Tuesday’s Schedule (Nov. 29, 2022): Matchday 3 of 3
- Group A: Senegal (No. 18) vs. Ecuador (No. 44)
- When, where: 10:00 a.m. CT, Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
- Group A: Nederland (No. 8) vs. Qatar (No. 50)
- When, where: 10:00 a.m. CT, Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor, Qatar)
- Group B: England (No. 5) vs. Wales (No. 19)
- When, where: 2:00 p.m. CT, Ahmad al Bin Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
- Group B: USA (No. 16) vs. Iran (No. 20)
- When, where: 2:00 p.m. CT, Al Thumama Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
Wednesday’s Schedule (Nov. 30, 2022): Matchday 3 of 3
- Group D: France (No. 4) vs. Tunisia (No. 30)
- When, where: 10:00 a.m. CT, Education City Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Group D: Denmark (No. 10) vs. Australia (No. 38)
- When, where: 10:00 a.m. CT, Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
- Group C: Mexico (No. 13) vs. Saudi Arabia (No. 51)
- When, where: 2:00 p.m. CT, Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)
- Group C: Argentina (No. 3) vs. Poland (No. 26)
- When, where: 2:00 p.m. CT, Stadium 974, (Doha, Qatar)
Thursday’s Schedule (Dec. 1, 2022): Matchday 3 of 3
- Group F: Morocco (No. 22) vs. Canada (No. 41)
- When, where: 10:00 a.m. CT, Al Thumama Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Group F: Belgium (No. 2) vs. Croatia (No. 12)
- When, where: 10:00 a.m. CT, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
- Group E: Germany (No. 11) vs. Costa Rica (No. 31)
- When, where: 2:00 p.m. CT, Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor, Qatar)
- Group E: Spain (No. 7) vs. Japan (No. 24)
- When, where: 2:00 p.m. CT, Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
Friday’s Schedule (Dec. 2, 2022): Matchday 3 of 3
- Group H: Portugal (No. 9) vs. South Korea (No. 28)
- When, where: 10:00 a.m. CT, Education City Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Group H: Uruguay (No. 14) vs. Ghana (No. 61)
- When, where: 10:00 a.m. CT, Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
- Group G: Brazil (No. 1) vs. Cameroon (No. 43)
- When, where: 2:00 p.m. CT, Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)
- Group G: Switzerland (No. 15) vs. Serbia (No. 21)
- When, where: 2:00 p.m. CT, Stadium 974 (Doha, Qatar)
Rd of 16: Saturday, Dec. 3
- Who: 1A vs. 2B
- When, where: 10:00 a.m. CT, Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
- Who: 1C vs. 2D
- When, where: 2:00 p.m. CT, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
Rd of 16: Sunday, Dec. 4
- Who: 1D vs. 2C
- When, where: 10:00 a.m. CT, Al Thumama Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Who: 1B vs. 2A
- When, where: 2:00 p.m. CT, Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor, Qatar)
Rd of 16: Monday, Dec. 5
- Who: 1E vs. 2F
- When, where: 10:00 a.m. CT, Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
- Who: 1G vs. 2H
- When, where: 2:00 p.m. CT, Stadium 974 (Doha, Qatar)
Rd of 16: Tuesday, Dec. 6
- Who: 1F vs. 2E
- When, where: 10:00 a.m. CT, Education City Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Who: 1H vs. 2G
- When, where: 2:00 p.m. CT, Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)