In the World Cup on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia stunned Argentina by defeating Lionel Messi’s team 2-1, inspiring a display of Arab pride during the Middle East’s first World Cup.
Saudi Arabia declares a public holiday on Wednesday following their World Cup victory against Argentina
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who suggested the royal order, was given credit for the achievement when King Salman declared a public holiday in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. Prince Mohammed was not present at the game, but he was prominently featured at the tournament’s opening ceremony on Sunday.
It was also a happy occasion for the host nation, Qatar, which has come under fire for its strict adherence to Islam’s teachings on human rights. The Saudi flag was slung over the shoulders of Qatar’s emir during the game. “Congratulations Greens” was flashed from a building in Doha.
Messi, 35, scored a penalty in the 10th minute of Argentina’s dominant first half performance on his fifth and final attempt to win the only major trophy still out of reach. He and Lautaro Martinez, who also had three goals rejected for offside, had three other goals during the period disallowed for offside as well.
The second-lowest rated side in the competition, Saudi Arabia, however, threw caution to the wind at the start of the second half and charged at Argentina’s defense in front of an enthused 88,012 spectators.
We cleared them out, thank God, because the guys were capable. We played as a team and defeated them while they were depending on one player, proving that we are capable. Abdelaziz al-Khwatem, a Saudi supporter, said, “Watch out for Saudi Arabia because when it hits, it hurts.”
A lengthy row of vehicles with veiled women standing in their open sunroofs waving the Saudi flag was seen on a Saudi television channel. Children giving the victory sign were celebrating.
Other Arab supporters were ecstatic as well, such as Tunisians whose team drew 0-0 with Denmark.
The Lusail Stadium hosted the game in a remarkable atmosphere, with thousands of Saudis crossing the border to support their team joining Argentina’s customarily large and boisterous fan base.
The topic of tolerance came up at a press conference between the foreign ministers of Qatar and the United States before to the start of the game. Doha has been criticism for how it handles LGBT+ rights and the treatment of international employees.