Fans throughout the Arab world rejoiced on Tuesday after Saudi Arabia’s shock World Cup victory over Argentina.
From Syria and Jordan to Gaza and Qatar – this yr’s World Cup hosts – followers rejoiced in Saudi Arabia’s achievement, one of many greatest upsets within the match’s historical past.
Immediately following their group’s 2–1 come-from-behind victory, Saudi followers who watched the match in individual took to the streets outdoors Lusail Stadium, chanting and singing whereas waving the inexperienced and white flags of their nation – and even Argentina embraced distraught followers.
“I am speechless,” mentioned Saudi Arabian fan Sultan Alharthi. “I am unable to even clarify how completely satisfied I’m, as a result of I did not anticipate that we’d win.
Qatar’s ruling Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, attended the match and at one level wore a Saudi flag over his shoulders. The second, captured in on-line video and broadly shared, would have been unimaginable virtually two years in the past when Saudi Arabia and three different Arab international locations boycotted Qatar over a political dispute.
Argentine soccer followers watch the group lose to Saudi Arabia in a World Cup Group C soccer match performed in Qatar, on a big display screen arrange for followers within the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)
In northwestern Syria, a insurgent stronghold within the war-torn nation, residents gathered in cafes to cheer and have a good time after the ultimate whistle. It was a welcome change for the enclave, the place hundreds of thousands of individuals undergo frequent air raids and poverty.
In town of Idlib, Ahmed al-Absi mentioned Saudi Arabia’s victory was a much-needed morale increase for Syrians and Arabs within the Middle East, even when it meant watching their favourite soccer group lose.
“It shows we have talented people who can achieve things on the global stage,” Al-Absi, an Argentine fan, advised The Associated Press. “We as billions are dreaming of a better future, and this morale reminds us that nothing is impossible.”
In the streets of Amman, Jordan, dozens of Saudi residents and Jordanians celebrated within the streets, carrying Saudi flags or inserting them on their vehicles and honking their horns.
And in Gaza, Palestinian residents cheered, saying they stand with Saudi Arabia in its second of footballing glory. Abu Khalil, a Gaza resident, mentioned, “They stand with us politically and socially, so these celebrations are kind of mutual.”
Saudi Arabia followers have a good time their group’s 2-1 victory over Argentina of their World Cup Group C soccer match outdoors Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
In Saudi Arabia, King Salman introduced a snap public vacation for all employees and college students within the kingdom in celebration of the victory.
People watching the match at a fan zone within the capital Riyadh cheered and cheered as the sport ended. Drivers celebrated by honking their horns. Saudi authorities additionally allowed free entry to the state-sponsored sports activities and leisure competition.
The gravity of the victory would finally sink in. Saudi Arabia is a group that had received solely three World Cup matches in its historical past previous to Tuesday’s sport. Argentina, which received the World Cup in 1978 and 1986, is – or was – one of many favorites this yr.
“One for the books,” mentioned Saudi Arabian coach Hervé Renard. “Sometimes things get downright crazy.”
Saudi goalkeeper Mohammad Alouwais, who made two essential saves late within the sport, was almost buried on the finish, maybe not understanding the magnitude of the reversal.
“I’m very happy about the result that we managed to achieve against this very strong team,” mentioned Alois critically. “We have ready ourselves. We have been 100% ready and hope to get higher leads to future.
Despite trailing 1–0 at half-time after a Tenth-minute aim from Lionel Messi, Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari managed to tug one again early within the second half.
Then came visiting 50 minutes, together with time added on the finish of the match on the referee’s discretion, to maintain one of many match favorites at bay.
“All the stars aligned for us,” mentioned Renard, who received the African Cup of Nations in 2012 as Zambia’s coach and once more with Ivory Coast in 2015.
Renard has additionally coached Angola and Morocco, whom he guided to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He took cost of Saudi Arabia in 2019.
Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais celebrates along with his group after successful the World Cup Group C soccer match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Renard mentioned, ‘We made historical past for Saudi soccer. “It will be there forever. That is the most important. But we also need to think about looking ahead because we still have two games which are very difficult for us.”
Renard mentioned he requested his gamers to restrict the post-game celebration to twenty minutes.
“That’s all,” he mentioned. “But there are still two games – or more.”
They nonetheless should face Poland on Saturday after which Mexico subsequent Tuesday in Group C. Despite each being upset, they’re nonetheless robust contenders towards Saudi Arabia.
He additionally advised one other doable reality: Messi and Argentina might have underestimated Saudi Arabia, which is simply 51st within the FIFA rankings. Argentina is quantity 3.
“But you know the motivation is not that you are playing Brazil,” he mentioned.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
