Riyadh: One of the biggest surprises of the year was Saudi Arabia's 2-1 victory over Argentina at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. Argentina is a two-time FIFA World Cup champion. The loss suffered by Argentina was dubbed the biggest shock in World Cup history.
Many people expected Argentina, led by football great Lionel Messi, to easily overcome Saudi Arabia because there were 48 places separating the two countries in the world rankings. Argentina, one of the favourites to win the 2022 competition, has gone three years without a loss, NDTV reported.
The players and all of Saudi Arabia's citizens were ecstatic. According to a source in the UK-based Express, Saudi Arabia's royal family will present each of its players with a Rolls Royce in appreciation for the incredible victory. When the athletes return from Qatar, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud is said to give each of them an RM6 million Rolls Royce Phantom.
Saudis in Riyadh spontaneously organised dancing circles and waved their nation's flag, which featured a sword design, from the windows of moving cars after the amazing triumph.
In response to a recommendation from the Prince, the King also declared a national holiday, according to Arab News. According to the Saudi Press Agency, all students and employees in the public and private sectors will receive a holiday.
Saudi Arabia has only ever won three games at the World Cup before pulling off the unexpected victory.