World Cup 2022: Throwback to When Saudi Arabia Coach Declared Argentina Champions

• Hervé Renard was the only manager to hand defeat to Argentina at the 2022 World Cup
• Renard's Saudi Arabia was the first non-European side to beat Argentina at the tourney
• The South Americans are the second team to win the Mundial after losing the first game

Hervé Renard's bold call of Argentina as champions of the 2022 World Cup, after upsetting the South American giants on matchday one, has aged perfectly well.

Renard supervised Argentina's first loss in a staggering 38 games, when his lowly-fancied Saudi Arabia side beat La Albiceleste in their opening Group C encounter.

The defeat masterminded by the French manager proved to be the reality check the South Americans required, as the Lionel Messi-captained side went on a six-game winning run which resulted in winning the World Cup, per Sportstar.

In arguably the greatest World Cup final in the history of the sport, France fought back from 2-0 and then 3-2 down to send a nerve-shredding contest to penalties.

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The South American giants outlasted the European nation 4-2 to earn their third world title.

Most people made a mockery of Argentina's World Cup ambitions but Renard saw otherwise, boldly declaring them as winners of the tournament, which eventually became a reality.

"Argentina are going to advance out of the group stage and will be champions," Renard said after beating Argentina 2-1 via Olé, as quoted by Roy Nemer.

Saudi coach backs Argentina

Saudi Arabia manager Renard tipped Argentina to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, despite their opening-day loss.

Renard masterminded the Green Falcons ending the South Americans' first loss in 36 matches, with a stunning 2-1 victory at the Lusail Stadium on November 22.

Following the end of the game, the Saudi manager reckoned Argentina's opening day slump against his side was only a blip and tipped them to win the tournament.

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World Cup: Argentina beat France

Sports Brief earlier reported that South American giants Argentina defeated France 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out on Sunday, to win the World Cup for the third time.

Argentina captain Messi scored twice and France striker Kylian Mbappe hit a hat-trick, as a thrilling World Cup final finished 3-3 after extra time.

In a night of high drama, La Albiceleste substitute Gonzalo Montiel stroked home the winning spot kick to resign defending champions Les Bleus to an agonising loss.