Ratings: An inspired Saudi Arabia condemns Argentina to a 2-1 defeat
Saudi Arabia came out in the second half as a completely different team, displaying their true potential with a slipping goal from Shehri and an incredible curler from Al Dawsari.
Argentina’s attack continued, but a staunch defence from Saudi Arabia prevented the opponents from scoring a goal, ending Argentina’s 36-game unbeaten streak
Argentina player ratingsGK: Emiliano Martinez – 5/10
Did not have much work to do but a second-half turned out to be a horror show for the goalkeeper as he conceded two goals in no time.
RB: Nahuel Molina – 6/10
He was forceful in the first and made one key pass, but fell out of sync and was unable to create any danger with his deep runs behind defenders
CB: Cristian Romero – 5/10
He was completely overwhelmed by Shehri in the individual battle, allowing him to score their first goal, and he also lost possession in the buil-up.
CB: Nicolas Otamendi – 7/10
Despite going down two goals, Otamendi did not lose his cool and remained tight at the back; he made two interceptions and three clearances.
LB: Nicolas Tagliafico – 6/10
Tagliafico was aggressive in the first half and made two ball recoveries, but he appeared fatigued in the second half and couldn’t contribute to the build-up.
AM: Alejandro Gomez – 6/10
Gomez played at an odd position, but he performed admirably despite being unable to change the game and was replaced in the second half.
CM: Leandro Paredes – 7/10
Remained at the back, controlled the midfield well, and made one key pass, he crumbled under pressure from opponents, and Saudi Arabia turned the game on its head.
LM: Rodrigo de Paul – 5/10
De Paul was arguably the worst on the pitch with just 75% pass succession rate and failed to link-up play with Paredes and Gomez. He lacked his offensive play and was dominated by Saudi midfielders.
LF: Angel di Maria – 6/10
Di Maria was reasonable on the right flank and created two key passes, took on defenders twice but was unable to link up and couldn’t timed his run against high defensive-line Saudi Arabia.
CM: Lautaro Martinez – 6/10
Martinez should have timed his run as he was called offside twice while his finishing was clinical. He could have had two goals to his name; defensively he tracked back and helped the team defend. He was really slow in the second-half and was overpowered many times.
RF: Lionel Messi – 8/10
Ended the first game of the World Cup with a goal. But things turned out worse for Messi, and he couldn’t influence the game with his signature defence piercing passes and was kept quiet by defenders
Substitutes:Lesandro Martinez – 7/10
Always plays his heart out; Martinez made one important clearance and demonstrated his cool composure and should play the next match.
Julian Alvarez – 6/10
He maintained his pushing but should have been in the right place to convert the ball, as he made many late rushes in the box.
Enzo Fernandez – 7/10
The moment he came he asserted himself and completed 100% pass, and made 32 touches and was everywhere on the pitch.
Marcus Acuna – 7/10
His introduction saw him surge forward from left-back, making two important passes and completing 100% of his passes.
RB: Saud Adbulhamid – 4/10
Adbulhamid was frequently exposed at the back and would have surrendered four goals in the first half if it hadn’t been for offside. He left a massive gaping hole behind him, which Gomez pounced totally.
CB: Hassan Al Tambakti – 6/10
Tambakti stepped up in this match after a sluggish defending that resulted in Argentina capitalizing on their mistakes; he made 77% of passes in their entire match and was watertight at the back.
Saudi Arabia player ratings GK: Mohammed Alowais – 9/10
CF: Firas Al-Braikan – 7/10
Was a headache for the Argentina defenders. But the end product did not come from anywhere, although he remained a threat.
LM: Salem Al Dawsari – 8/10
Dawsari could not assert himself in the match and was outclassed by opponents. But a total change in second-half saw him curl the ball in the top-corner
CM: Abdulelah Al Faraj – 6/10
He couldn’t keep the squad together and could not really communicate well with defenders, but two goals from Saud shifted his momentum in the game and completed 69% of the passes.
CM: Mohamed Kanno – 6/10
He had no effect on the game but completed successful passes and challenged defenders twice. Kanno organized the match’s rhythm as the game progressed and made one ball recovery.
Substitutes:Nawaf Al-Abed – 6/10
Made one recovery and showed restraint when Argentina bombarded him with crosses and defense-breaking passes.
Sultan Al Ghanam – 6/10
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