IT’S ALL GETTING MESSI FOR LEO
ARGENTINA 1 SAUDI ARABIA 2
JUBILANT Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard savoured the shock World Cup win over Argentina insisting: We’ve created history.
Lionel Messi’s opener was wiped out by goals from Saleh Al Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari to complete one of the biggest upsets.
Renard said: “This is a story that will stay for Saudi football forever. We have created a new history for this country and this region.”
But Messi immediately aimed to
raise the morale of Argentina’s shattered squad by insisting they can still qualify for the knockout stages.
Argentina next play Mexico in a must-win game on Saturday and the 35-year-old added: “It is now more important than ever that we trust each other.
“This is a hard blow for everyone. For the fans, the people back home and for us, who did not expect to start in this way.
“But we must now trust that this same group will not leave Argentina stranded.
“We are going to look to win both games. It all depends on us.”
Argentina, the South American champions, had been unbeaten in 36 games stretching back three years.
Saudi Arabia, ranked 51 in the world, last reached the second round in 1994 and were beaten 5-0 in their opening game by Russia four years ago. The Saudi King has declared a public holiday today.
But Renard added: “Today all the stars in the sky were in the same line for us. We had good celebrations for 20 minutes and that’s all. Still two games and more to come.”