Saudi Arabia Defeats Argentina in World Cup Match, King Salman Announces National Holiday

JAKARTADAILY.ID – The Saudi Arabian national team won against Argentina by 2-1 in a comeback victory at the 2022 Qatar World Cup group stage match in Lusail Stadium on Tuesday, November 22, 2022. 

Saudi Arabia's victory against Argentina is one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history according to Gracenote. Argentina has been unbeaten in their previous 36 games since 2019 and nearly equaled Italy's 37-win streak.

Naturally, the victory was nothing short of momentous for the people of Saudi Arabia, with king Salman bin Abdulaziz declaring Wednesday, November 23, 2022, as a National Holiday.

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ESPN reported, King Salman declared a public holiday in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to mark the national team's stunning 2-1 upset over Argentina.

The news is a feather in the cap of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who recommended the royal order, state media said.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman's two brothers, Prince Saud and Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz who were present at the Lusail Stadium looked happy while they were waving the Saudi flag.

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The Emir of Qatar congratulated him by displaying the flag of Saudi Arabia on several skyscrapers in Doha.

"Wow! I am very happy now. We beat Argentina, one of the great teams," said Saad, a resident of Riyadh, who came to Qatar to watch the Green Eagles compete.

"Our team played very well, everything went well. It was great."

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Lionel Messi, 35, who has played in five World Cups, brought Argentina to a dominant appearance in the first half on Tuesday, November 2022.

He even scored from the penalty spot in the 10th minute. His partner Lautaro Martinez also played well, but the referee disallowed his three goals which were considered offside.