51′ Feverish Argentina
The Albiceleste failed defensively on goal and the Saudis are pressing, well pushed by the public. We may have our first surprise of the World Cup.
48′ SAUDI EQUALIZATION! 1-1!
We didn’t see it coming! The Saudis pick Argentina cold after a nice collective movement. Well launched against by Al-Buraikan, Al-Shehri resists Romero’s contact and scores an unexpected goal, on his team’s first shot of the match.
46′ Here we go again!
Argentina kick off the second half!
12:08
It won’t take long to resume
Both teams returned to the field.
12:05
We will have the right to OptaMessi with this World Cup
11:58
Messi wrote his legend a little more
Half time! 1-0 for Argentina.
Five interminable minutes of additional time later, it’s half time… Courageous, the Saudis hung on Argentina in the first period. Thanks to Messi, the Albiceleste leads 1-0. Two goals were disallowed for Martinez for offside.
45′ Di Maria finds the frame
Another opportunity for Argentina, which is struggling to achieve its broad domination. Di Maria is launched in bell, above the defense. He extends his leg, manages to strike but too softly to worry Alowais.
43′ What a missed shot from De Paul
After a free kick for Argentina, the ball is released full axis at the entrance to the surface. De Paul is in perfect position for a recovery, but misses himself completely. A supporter in the stadium must have been happy with the gift…
40′ It was still hot for Argentina!
Messi and his family are really dangerous at the end of the first period and get several hot situations.
39′ Argentina has depth concerns
The Albiceleste plays a lot on depth… But has little timing problems, otherwise the score could be much heavier. Already 7 offsides for Scaloni’s men.
35′ And another goal from Martinez! Still offside…
No need for VAR this time… Martinez had however made a festival, after a one-two with Messi, dribbling the goalkeeper. It could have been one of the goals of the World Cup.
28′ Disallowed for offside…
Small fire… After video arbitration, Martinez is finally declared offside.
11:30
28′ Goal by Lautaro Martinez?
Perfectly launched in depth, Lautaro Martinez slightly pricks his ball above the goalkeeper. Is it basically 2-0? The referee will see the video…
25′ Big crutch on Otamendi
The Argentinian remains on the ground after contact with a Saudi attacker. It smells of endless additional time, this case.
22′ Messi’s double… offside
Messi had done everything well: deep call, perfect run, adjusted Saudi goalkeeper… But the linesman waited for the end of the action to raise his flag. Frustrating.
20′ Tagliafico takes a chance!
The Argentines circulate the ball in front of the box and Tagliafico is shifted to the left side. From 20 meters, the side unleashes a strike… which goes straight into the clouds.
16′ First situation for the Saudis
On the right side, the Saudis manage to create movement. Like this grazing center which spins into the Argentine surface, but is captured by Martinez.
11′ The penalty will make people talk…
The clash on Paredes, who plays the shot very well, is not really obvious. But the referee seemed sure of himself after consulting the video…
10′ GOAL FROM MESSI!
The Pulga ideally begins its World Cup, with a low penalty to the left of the goalkeeper! 1-0!
9′ And it’s a penalty!
The referee considers that Paredes has been retained and indicates (with vigor) the penalty spot! The ball is in Messi’s hands…
8′ The referee will consult the VAR
On a well placed free kick for the Albiceleste, there was friction between a Saudi defender and Paredes. Suspense…
5′ Argentina confiscates the ball
More technical in the midfield, Argentina have their foot on the ball for the moment. If it lasts for 90 minutes, it will be hot for Saudi Arabia.
2′ Messi very close to a first goal!
Nice collective action, initiated by Di Maria! The ball arrives at the feet of Messi, who opens his foot at the entrance to the surface. Nice parade of the Saudi goalkeeper!
1′ Let’s go!
The kick off is given by Saudi Arabia!
10:57
Hymn time!
The anthems of the two countries resound at the Lusail Stadium, kick-off imminent!
10:56
Messi, the essential
Holder as expected, captain, Lionel Messi is perhaps in the form of his life in selection, with whom he has scored ten goals in his last five games. A good omen at the start of his fifth (and last?) World Cup.
10:51
Argentina in great shape
Winner of the last Copa America, undefeated for 36 games, Argentina has been in impressive form for a few months. Enough to make it one of the favorites of the World Cup, probably just behind its Brazilian neighbor.
10:43
Great debut for Group C
This Argentina-Saudi Arabia opens Group C, in which Lionel Scaloni’s men are the big favorites. At 5 p.m. it will be followed by Mexico-Poland.
10:35
The composition of Saudi Arabia
On the side of Saudi Arabia, it is also the expected eleven holder who has been aligned. Salman Alfaraj will wear the armband.
Alowais – Abdulhamid, Altambakti, Albulayhi, Alshahrani, Alfaraj, Kanno, Almalki Albrikan, Alshehri, Aldawsari.
10:27
The composition of Argentina
No surprise in the Argentine eleven: the attacking trio Messi-Lautaro Martinez-Di Maria will start as starters.
10:27
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Welcome to our site to follow live commentary of the meeting between Argentina and Saudi Arabia, counting for the first day of the group stage of the 2022 World Cup. Kick-off scheduled for 11 a.m.