The World Cup 2022 in Qatar already has its iconic image, coming from the first big surprise of the world’s biggest event, as Saudi Arabia upset Argentina in today’s game, inspiring Nasser Al-Dasawi, Saudi’s number 10, to do a backflip on the pitch.
Social media is already blowing with the viral image, as the sheer jubilation has proven to be infectious across the region, and the world.
After all, no matter what your sport is, who doesn’t love a good underdog story?
Yep, the Saudi Arabian national team, sitting at spot 51 on the FIFA rankings, have managed to hand Messi’s number 3 ranked Argentina a loss in their first game of the tournament.
After falling to an early 0-1 deficit after a successful penalty from Messi, the team in green rallied in the second half and ultimately came out on top 2-1, behind goals courtesy of Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari, and a world class performance from Saudi keeper Mohammed Alowais to stave off some close calls.
The stands were erupting in green waves, as thousands from the Kingdom made the trip down to Qatar to support their players, it’s unlikely they expected this kind of a start facing off against perhaps the best player and team in this year’s World Cup.
If this opener is anything to go by, this is going to be a World Cup for the ages. Truly a historic, and deserved, win.