Herve Renard: Saudi Arabia History Maker Speaks After Beating Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Qatar 2022

Herve Renard: Saudi Arabia History Maker Speaks After Beating Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Qatar 2022

Martin Moses
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:17 PM
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  • Herve Renard has revelled in his Saudi Arabia's side victory over Argentina in their opening game at the FIFA World Cup
  • The two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner with different countries dedicated the famous victory to the Saudi people
  • Saudi Arabia pulled off an unexpected victory against an Argentinian side led by seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi

Saudi Arabia Head Coach Herve Renard has thanked his side for showing determination and courage in their shock victory over Argentina.

Lionel Messi had put Argentina ahead at the Lusail Stadium in what looked like a routine win for the South American side, only for Saudi Arabia to score two quickfire goals in the second half.

Herve Renard, Saudi Arabia, Lionel Messi, Argentina, Lusail Stadium
Saudi Arabia Head Coach Herve Renard is proud of his team upsetting Argentina. Photo by Khaled DESOUKI.
Source: Getty Images

It was the first time Argentina had lost its opening game of a World Cup encounter. Speaking after the game via his social media handles, Renard said:

"Congratulations to the team and the staff for this game, I dedicate this victory to the Saudi people. We are waiting for your support next match!"

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The Green Falcons have now put themselves in a prime position to qualify for the round of 16, with games against Mexico and Poland to follow.

Renard was ready for upset

Sports Brief had earlier reported that Renard believed there could be an upset on the cards, ahead of Saudi Arabia's opener with Argentina at the World Cup.

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

During preparation for the global showpiece in Qatar, the Green Falcons suffered a 1-0 defeat to Croatia in their final friendly game before the tournament.

Saudi Arabia fans celebrate wildly

Sports Brief also reported that fans of Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Iconic Stadium could not believe their eyes, as the Green Falcons achieved one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.

Ranked as one of the favourites to go all the way in Qatar, Argentina were floored by the Middle East team, who consigned La Albiceleste to their first defeat in 36 matches.

Following Salem Al-Dawsari's golazo, which eventually turned out to be the winning goal, the Saudi section of the stadium went into a state of joyous pandemonium.

Authors
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Martin Moses
Martin Moses is a sports journalist with over five years of experience in media. He graduated from Multimedia University of Kenya (Bachelor of Journalism, 2017-2021)