Argentina clashed heads with Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Iconic Stadium earlier today as they hoped to earn a positive result from this opening game of their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign. The South American nation made a strong start to the game and got their noses ahead in the 10th minute via Lionel Messi’s successful penalty. They managed to get into the half-time break 1-0 up on the scoreline.
However, Argentina made a horror start to the game as they conceded the equaliser in the 48th minute when Saleh Alshehri found the back of the net. Salem Aldawsari completed the turnaround for Saudi Arabia just five minutes later when he scored to put the Argentine players in a world of trouble. Lionel Scaloni’s men failed to mount a comeback and crashed to a narrow 2-1 defeat in Qatar.
Let’s take a look at how each Argentina player performed during the match against Saudi Arabia.
GK: Emiliano Martinez – 5.5/10
He didn’t have a save to make in the game and will be disappointed after conceding two early goals in the second half.
RB: Nahuel Molina – 6.5/10
Molina tried to keep things solid at the back and had two lively moments in the final third.
CB: Cristian Romero – 6/10
Romero made a couple of crucial clearances but failed to stop the opposition from scoring two quick goals early in the second half.
CB: Nicolas Otamendi – 7/10
He gave a good account of himself on the defensive third of the pitch and made one key chance in the opponent’s half.
LB: Nicolas Tagliafico – 6/10
He did his fair share of defending but failed to offer anything meaningful in the final third.
RM: Angel Di Maria – 6.5/10
Di Maria showed what he is capable of at times but was lackluster in front of the Saudi Arabia goal.
CM: Rodrigo De Paul – 6/10
He got stuck in with some solid tackles but failed to influence the game in the final third.
CM: Leandro Paredes – 7/10
Paredes offered decent protection for his teammates at the back and made one good chance in the opposition half.
LM: Papu Gomez – 6/10
Gomez came back to defend when needed but failed to threaten the Saudi Arabia goal.
ST: Lionel Messi – 7.5/10
The Argentine superstar was a constant menace up top and managed to get his name on the scoresheet via the penalty spot in the tenth minute.
ST: Lautaro Martinez – 6/10
Martinez produced a tireless performance but never got a sniff at goal.
Substitutes:
CM: Enzo Fernandez – 6.5/10
He added some energy to Scaloni’s midfield.
CB: Lisandro Martinez – 6.5/10
Martinez kept things solid at the back.
ST: Julian Alvarez – 6/10
The Manchester City talent failed to find the back of the net.
LB: Marcos Acuña – 6/10
Acuna didn’t do much wrong at the back and made two good chances going forward.
