Saudi shock shakes World Cup, stuns Argentina

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The World Cup has always been a time for the world to come together and unite over a common love of football. But this year, Saudi Arabia’s victory over Argentina has caused shock and outrage. 

Saudi Arabia won 1-0 in the latest result to shake up the Group A standings. The hosts scored with just two minutes left on the clock as Diego Maradona, who was seen celebrating frustrations before kickoff, slumped in his seat. 

Argentina now faces an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout rounds, a position that they have kept their grip on since joining FIFA in 1930. It is the first time Argentina have not qualified for the knockout rounds since 1958 when they finished bottom of the group. 

It was a marked contrast to just four years ago when Argentina’s golden generation defeated Nigeria in the World Cup Final. 

Saudi Arabia is now top of Group A with four points from two games, whilst Nigeria lie second with three points. Both sides have already qualified for the next round, but it is a different story for Argentina, who only need to draw their final match to guarantee progress if Nigeria fail to beat Iran in their final game. 

Argentina had 16 shots on target, with Lionel Messi, who is also under fire after failing to deliver in Manchester, hitting the woodwork twice. Saudi Arabia meanwhile had just three shots and it was the first time in World Cup history that a host nation has kept multiple clean sheets. 

Understandably social media has gone into a meltdown over the stunning result, with many claiming that it is the greatest shock of all time. The result has been labeled ‘Shocking’ and ‘Upsetting’ by football commentators. 

So what can be done? Can the result be fixed? 

The hosts could have their match suspended, but it is unlikely, as not enough international players have been signed up for the competition in Saudi Arabia. 

In addition, the Saudis are not considered to be part of CONCACAF (the Confederation of North, Central American, and Caribbean Football), so an agreement would need to be made for them to take part in the play-off matches. 

One way that this problem has been solved in football history would be to place a ban on South American teams participating in the next World Cup. But given Saudi Arabia’s location and other areas of its history, I think that would be unacceptable.

Saudi Arabia would be expected to make an official comment after the result. The country has had a reputation for being oppressive, with high levels of social and political oppression. 

The country is believed to have one of the highest rates of beheadings in the world. This still goes on today. 

Saudi Arabia is not a member of FIFA and has never been a member of the governing body since becoming an independent state in 1963. 

So Saudi Arabia is not supposed to take part in World Cup competitions, because Saudi Arabia does not belong to FIFA. This means that there is no way that Saudi Arabia can be kicked out of the World Cup.