LIVE: Argentina vs Saudi Arabia – World Cup 2022
Argentinian fans quieten as their team fail to take advantage of first half dominance
Half-time: Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia
Scaloni can’t be too annoyed at how this Group C opener is going in terms of the flow of the game but can’t be happy with his team failing to beat the offside trap so often. Renard will almost certainly be the happier as his team are only one goal away from a massive result.
They need to get more numbers up near Argentina’s box in the second half though, as the longer they stay in their territory the more dangerous it becomes. Can the Saudis stay in the game without their captain?
First change of the match
Salman Al-Faraj, the Saudi Arabian captain, has to leave the field after picking up a knock. They gave him every chance to continue but Nawaf Al-Abed is on in his place
If you don’t shoot you don’t score
The Green Falcons have yet to register a single shot on target.
Salem Al-Dawsari found himself in the opposition penalty box but failed to get a shot away.
So far, Argentina’s defence has not been troubled in the slightest.
How is it still 1-0?
The Green Falcons will be happy with the scoreline if not the run of play. They’re just about keeping Argentina at bay, thanks to the linesman’s offside flag and some dodgy runs by Lautauro Martinez.
The hard challenges are still flying in from the Saudis but no bookings yet.
-al jazeera
