Saudi Arabia Coach Herve Renard Ready to Cause Huge Upset Against Argentina

• Herve Renard believes Saudi Arabia can cause an upset when they take on Argentina in their opening game on Tuesday
• The French-trained coach is optimistic his charges have the arsenal to stop the South Americans' title chances
• Argentina are among the strongest contenders to lift the trophy in Qatar and are unbeaten in 35 matches coming into the World Cup

Head coach of Saudi Arabia, Herve Renard believes his charges can cause an upset when they take on Argentina in their World Cup opener.

The French gaffer led the Middle East nation to the Mundial after topping their group in the second round of the Asian qualifiers.

The Green Falcons have been preparing adequately for football's biggest showpiece in Qatar, with their most recent friendly game coming against Croatia where they suffered a 1-0 defeat.

On Tuesday, November 22, Saudi Arabia will take on Lionel Messi and the La Albiceste team, which are tipped by many as favourites to win the World Cup.

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Messi will be hoping to lead his country to their third World Cup title in the Middle East, having already won the tournament in 1978 and 1986.

The South American giants are among the strongest contenders to lift the trophy in Qatar and are unbeaten in 35 matches coming into the World Cup.

That does not scare Renard though, who is confident his side can overcome any hurdle.

"We love it when they forget about us and consider us the smallest team. In the World Cup, there are surprises and that is the mentality we have," he said via Euro Foot.

Renard, who led Morocco to the 2018 World Cup, is a much-travelled coach who has set out his plan for Saudi Arabia to stifle Argentina.

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The 54-year-old will go into his second World Cup hopeful that the chances of progressing to the second round at least will last longer than he did at his first taste of the event.

In Russia four years ago, Renard was the sharp-dressed touchline animator of a Morocco team whose defeats in their first two matches consigned them to the foot of their group.

He was appointed in 2019, following a last-16 exit, under Juan Antonio Pizzi, at the Asia Cup. He built a formidable momentum during World Cup qualifying - 13 victories and a single defeat, to Japan, in 18 matches across the two group stages.

Messi's doctor is against Argentina

Meanwhile, Messi’s doctor, Diego Schwarzstein has said that he doesn't want Argentina to win a single game at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Argentina are tipped by bookmakers to progress from Group C, which features Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland. The Copa America champions begin their campaign on November 22.

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However, Messi's personal doctor has opened up on why he wants Argentina to fail woefully at football's greatest showpiece.

Messi to quit after Mundial

Sports Brief earlier reported that Messi has hinted the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is his last to hoist the coveted trophy.

At 35 years of age, the Barcelona legend knows too well that he has entered the sunset years of his football career.

Speaking ahead of Argentina's Group C opener against Saudi Arabia, Messi suggested he is unlikely to take part in the next World Cup set for 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico.