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FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar LIVE: Saudi Arabia mount stunning second-half comeback to lead against Argentina

World Cup / Group Stage
Lusail Stadium / 22.11.2022
Live
Live Updates
Alasdair Mackenzie

Updated 22/11/2022 at 12:54 GMT


10:01
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PEEEEEP
We're off! Saudi Arabia kick us off at a packed Lusail Stadium.
09:57
MESSI MASTERCLASS INCOMING?
09:55
FIVE MINUTE WARNING
If you need to visit the toilet, grab a cup of tea, or call your boss to make an excuse about why you're going to be quiet for the next two hours...do it now.
09:50
ALMOST TIME
Warm-ups done, anthems approaching...and Messi is looking happy and relaxed out there.
Today's game is at the showpiece 80,000-seater Lusail Stadium, which will also host the final.
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Image credit: Getty Images

09:46
THE WARM-UP
Yesterday was packed with incident. We had England's sensational start against Iran, the One Love armband campaign falling apart, Wales putting in a strong second half and the Netherlands edging out Senegal.
Here's your round-up of everything you need to know to get you set for day three!
09:41
CAN SAUDIS CAUSE AN UPSET?
Saudi Arabia are no strangers to the World Cup, having qualified for five of the last seven editions.
The best they've ever done was reaching the last 16 in their first outing at USA '94.
Since then, it's been a group stage exit every time, although they did get a win last time out in Russia four years ago.
The Saudis defeated Egypt 2-1 in their final match, thanks to a 95th-minute winner from the aforementioned Al-Dawsari.
It would be a momentous upset if they can topple Argentina here, though.
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Image credit: Getty Images

09:35
COLE BACKS ARGENTINA
Former England international Joe Cole is in the ITV studio for this one, and he's backing Argentina to win the whole thing.
He's not alone - Scaloni's side are one of the top bookies' favourites, along with Brazil and France.
09:30
ARGENTINA FANS ARE READY
Hundreds of Argentinian fans gathered in Doha yesterday ahead of this match...if they were this excited then, how will they feel now?!
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Argentina fans gather in large numbers, excited over Saudi Arabia match

09:25
Argentina
MESSI'S "LAST CHANCE" TO REALISE WORLD CUP DREAM
Messi faced the media yesterday and admitted this is "most likely my last World Cup", and therefore "my last opportunity to make my dream, our dream, a reality.”
It's the fifth time that the PSG maestro has featured at the tournament, but a runners-up finish in 2014 is as close as he's got thus far.
In fact, he only won his first international trophy of any sort last year at the Copa America.
Messi also brushed off concerns about his fitness, saying: "I have no issues whatsoever".
You can read all of the Argentina captain's comments here:
10:18
MESSI STARTS
Messi is fit to start after some concerns over his fitness in the build-up. He partners Angel Di Maria and Lautaro Martinez in an exciting attacking trio.
Papu Gomez gets the nod in midfield ahead of Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister, but it's otherwise what you'd expect from Lionel Scaloni.
For Saudi Arabia, No.10 Salem Al Dawsari is the main danger man.
09:13
STRAP YOURSELF IN
Have you had a good night’s sleep? A proper breakfast? Good – you’re going to need it, because there is a loooong day of football ahead.
First up is Argentina, who you’re likely to hear referred to as ‘Lionel Messi’s Argentina’ for the next month, and they kick off their World Cup campaign against unfancied Saudi Arabia.
Messi is going to be a big story at this tournament as he looks to win the thing for the first time in his ridiculously decorated career.
Can they get off to a strong start? We’ll soon find out – kick-off is 45 minutes away.
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Image credit: Getty Images