World Cup: Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Al Owais Named Man of the Match Against Argentina

Saudi Arabia's Mohammed Al Owais has been named as the man of the match in his nation's battle against Argentina at the 2022 World Cup making five big saves.

Football fans around the world were stunned on Tuesday afternoon, 22 November, when Saudi Arabia came from a goal down to beat mighty Argentina in group C opener.

No one saw this defeat coming for Argentina considering the likes of Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria they have in their squad against arguably unknown Saudi Arabian players.

Messi scored the first goal via a penalty in the 10th minute with Argentina fans expecting their players to score more.

But after conceding, Saudi players changed their styles of play to more attacking one even though they were unable to get breakthrough in the first half.

Watch Argentina fans celebrate before playing Group C opener against Saudi Arabia

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When did Saudi score?

Saudi Arabia restored parity in the 48th minute through Saleh Alshehri before Salem netted the second and winning goal in the 53rd minute.

According to the report by ESPN, goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais made five saves which earned him the man of the match.

As things stand now, Saudi Arabia will face Poland in their second group game on Saturday, 26 November, and they will hope to continue with their fine form.

Argentina coach blasted

Earlier, Sports Brief had reported how Manchester United fans were up in arms on social media as they blasted Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni for snubbing Lisandro Martinez for 34-year-old Nicolas Otamendi in his side’s starting line up to face Saudi Arabia.

Ahead of the match, there was a surprise in the Argentina backline as Benfica centre back Otamendi was picked to keep out Saudi Arabia.

2022 World Cup: Watch Leo Messi score cheeky penalty against Saudi Arabia

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The decision was not very alarming at first as Argentina looked like heavy favourites for the game on paper.

But Argentina , who were coming from a 36-game unbeaten run, were stunned by the Green Falcons despite taking a first half lead as Saleh Al-Shehri’s low effort coupled with Salem Al Dawsari’s wonder strike turning the game on its head after Lionel Messi initially gave his nation the lead.

Once the result was confirmed, fans instantly took to social media to pin point exactly what Scaloni got wrong.