Saudi Arabia pull off one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history as Argentina, one of the pre-tournament favourites, were beaten in their opening game.
Here’s how Malik Ouzia rated Argentina at Lusail Stadium...
Emi Martinez 5
Beaten by the only two decent shots he faced but the first was a fine finish and did well to even get a hand to Al Dawsari stunner.
Nahuel Molina 5
One stunning cross that flashed across goal begging for a touch.
Nicolas Otamendi 5
At 34, picked ahead of Lisandro Martinez but did a decent impression with some excellent covering work in the first-half. Hesitant in build-up to Saudi opener, though.
Cristian Romero 3
Sat out Tottenham’s last few Premier League games to be fit for this but looked rusty for it. Beaten far too easily for Saleh Al-Shehri’s equaliser and subbed before the hour.
Nicolas Tagliafico 6
The more adventurous of Argentina’s full-backs, saw instinctive effort brilliantly saved at 2-1.
Rodrigo De Paul 5
Fortunate not to be punished with sloppy concessions on a couple of occasions and blazed over when well-placed before half-time.
Leandro Paredes 4
Like his partner, looked surprised by intensity of Saudi press. Could not hold back the tide as Saudi confidence grew after equaliser. Subbed.
Angel Di Maria 5
Pretty average in the first half, then seemed to get hurt during a wonderful dribble moments into the second. Shook it off through and drive did cause problems.
Papu Gomez 6
Fine pass for Martinez’s first disallowed effort but was inconsistent with decision-making. Subbed.
Took less than ten minutes of his fifth World Cup to open his account and become the first Argentine to score at four tournaments. Also scored one of three first-half disallowed goals.
Created Di Maria chance with brilliant through-ball as he tried to lead resurgence, but headed tamely at ‘keeper when found by same player’s cross.
Lautaro Martinez 6
Had the ball in the net twice but both were chalked off, one for a tight offside call and the other for a needless one. Faded badly after half-time.
Substitutes
Lisandro Martinez (Romero 59’)
Julian Alvarez (Gomez 59’)
Enzo Fernandez (Paredes 59’)
Marcos Acuna (Tagliafico 70’)
Unused: Armani, Foyth, Montial, Pezzella, Rulli, Palacios, Correa, Almada, Rodriguez, Mac Allister, Dybala.
