Credit: Twitter
Argentina faced one of the biggest upsets in their FIFA World Cup history as Saudi Arabia came from behind to defeat Lionel Messi-led Argentina 2-1 at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday in their FIFA World Cup 2022 opener. However, Argentina can still qualify for the knockout stages as they have two more matches remaining in the group stage.
Despite Lionel Messi scoring an early penalty to give Argentina a much needed lead in their Group C opener against Saudi Arabia, the largest middle east country came from behind to score two goals and beat the FIFA World Cup 2022 favourites 1-2.
However, it was the first match for both the sides and Argentina can still qualify for the knockout stages if they win both their remaining group stage games with a better goal difference, however, a draw could slim down their qualification chances.
Argentina will require to beat the winner from the match between Poland and Mexico and can play a draw with the losing team if Saudi Arabia lose both their remaining games against Mexico and Poland.
How Argentina can qualify for the knockouts?
- Argentina can't lose a single game from now and can play only one draw in a worst-case scenario.
- If Argentina win both their matches against Mexico and Poland then they will qualify for the knockout stages.
- If Argentina win one game and draw another then the team they played a draw with should not win against Saudi Arabia.
- If Argentina and two other teams ended up with equal points after three games then the result will be decided by the goal difference.
Argentina will next face Mexico on Saturday night before squaring off against Poland next week. While Saudi Arabia will face Mexico on next week's Wednesday night while Poland and Saudi Arabia will square off against each other on Saturday.