
<p>Qatar isn’t a popular host for the 2022 World Cup. It will be a tournament with a uniquely bizarre legacy once it’s over. However, amidst fears of a dull tournament, Saudi Arabia produced a moment that will go down in World Cup history.</p>



<p>Tuesday morning saw the unfancied Saudi Arabian team, coached by Herve Renard, defeat Argentina.</p>



<p>World Cups often throw up moments that are talked about for a lifetime. Zaire’s attempt to defend a Brazilian free-kick. Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal. Siphiwe Tshabalala’s ‘Goal for Africa.’ Saudi Arabia’s win over <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/argentina-world-cup-team-preview-20221115-WST-408428.html">Argentina and Lionel Messi</a> joins those ranks in outlandish World Cup moments.</p>



<p>The 2-1 scoreline was a result nobody saw coming. The ramifications for the rest of the group phase are significant. This result breathed life into Qatar 2022 as a sporting spectacle.</p>



<h5>Argentina need more than Messi</h5>



<p><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/argentina-2022-world-cup-squad-unveiled-20221112-WST-407948.html">Argentina’s lack of energy</a> was the most disappointing part about the side’s performance at <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/qatar-world-cup-2022-stadiums/">Lusail Stadium</a>. Despite taking an early lead through a Lionel Messi penalty, the Albiceleste looked lethargic.</p>



<p>Of course, they would counter such a claim with the point that they had three goals disallowed inside the opening 45 minutes.</p>



<p>Renard’s offside trap worked, with the semi-automated offside detection tool working in perfect accordance with the rules. Whether the rules written are applicable in this era of modern football remains a separate debate.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The fine line between offside and onside. Lautaro Martinez offside by inches for <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/ARG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARG</a> <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/FIFAWorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFAWorldCup</a> <a href="https:\/\/t.co/Q3LmJxXfdP">pic.twitter.com/Q3LmJxXfdP</a></p>— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1595003880949039105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Messi started the match confidently. He was leading his beloved national team into what is <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/lionel-messi-says-2022-will-be-his-last-world-cup-20221007-WST-403423.html">likely his final World Cup</a>. Gone were the visible signs of stress from four years ago. Messi didn’t look as if he had the weight of a nation on his shoulders. He now had a band of teammates who worked as a unit.</p>



<p>Lionel Scaloni’s charges had the tag of pre-tournament favorites due to this unity. After years of having talented players who didn’t form a good team, the South American giants had a reliable group who could win together.</p>



<p>Yet, after just 45 minutes in Lusail, Messi’s supporting cast deserted him. &nbsp;</p>



<h2>Saudi Arabia surprised everyone with stunner over Argentina</h2>



<p>Saudi Arabia’s equalizer came two minutes after half-time. Saleh Alshehri was through on goal. He placed a beautiful shot into the bottom corner of the net.</p>



<p>The goal shocked the South Americans. Saudi Arabia failed to register a shot in the first half of play. Suddenly, the Saudis were in the ascendency. Saudi Arabia flew into challenges, eliminating any Argentina time on the ball. Consequently, the fans’ energy, and any momentum from the first half, evaporated. </p>



<p>Argentina were on the ropes. After 53 minutes, an improbable draw turned into a World Cup miracle.</p>



<p>Salem Aldawsari etched his name into Saudi folklore with a Goal of the Tournament contender. He took advantage of a nervy Argentina defense to curl one past Emi Martínez.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WHAT A GOAL 🚀🇸🇦<a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/KSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KSA</a> are beating <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/ARG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARG</a> 2-1. I can&apos;t believe this<br><br>🎥 <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/FOXSoccer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FOXSoccer</a><a href="https:\/\/t.co/sBRCXzyuUJ">pic.twitter.com/sBRCXzyuUJ</a></p>— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1595014546720260099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>From there, Argentina had a mountain to climb. All the pressure and anxiety from Russia in 2018 came flooding back. The color from Messi’s face went flushing out.</p>



<p>He knew he would have to step up, and he was met with <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/09/27/usmnt-staggers-into-world-cup-following-draw-with-saudi-arabia/">a resolute Saudi backline</a>. Nobody could have predicted how organized the <a href="https:\/\/www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/men?dateId=id13792" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">51<sup>st</sup> ranked team</a> in the world would be. Defensive headers kept Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez off the scoresheet. Meanwhile Mohammed Al-Owais made five saves and was in inspired form.</p>



<p>Argentina couldn’t find a breakthrough once the pressure was on. Now, the side faces a difficult passage into the knockout phase.</p>



<h5>“We fully respected Saudi Arabia”</h5>



<p>Lionel Scaloni knows there is no room for error now. Tough fixtures against Mexico and Poland await. Results out of their control could influence Argentina’s fate, much like it did in 2018.</p>



<p>The Argentina coach comes under pressure after such a shock. Regardless, he maintained that his side played well and didn’t take the Saudis lightly.</p>



<p>“We fully respected Saudi Arabia,” he explained in his post-match press conference. “It’s a sad day, but as we always say, head held high, we must bounce back.</p>



<p>“It’s difficult to digest. In four, five minutes they scored two goals with two shots.”</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Sipa USA</em></p>


Saudi Arabia shocked the world as it defeated Argentina, 2-1, with a fantastic display at Lusail Stadium against a World Cup favorite.

Saudi Arabia stun Argentina in World Cup classic - World Soccer Talk

Saudi Arabia stun Argentina in World Cup classic

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<p><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/nations/argentina-national-team-tv-schedule/">Argentina’s </a>preparations for the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">World Cup</a> concluded with a friendly thumping of the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi, 5-0. The Albiceleste enter the tournament as one of the favorites to lift the coveted trophy. </p>



<p>Head coach Lionel Scaloni, though, is far from set in his bid to lead the side to its third World Cup. He must figure out how to replace the injured Giovani Lo Celso in the Argentina starting eleven.</p>



<p>The Villareal star played an integral part of the squad since Scaloni took over in 2019. However, he sustained a hamstring injury with muscle tear that ended any chances of his participation in Qatar. The nimble left footed midfielder was left with no other option than to finally <a href="https:\/\/mundoalbiceleste.com/2022/11/09/gio-lo-celso-to-undergo-surgery-on-thursday/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">undergo surgery</a>. He vacates a massive hole for Argentina in the middle of the park.</p>



<p>Lo Celso formed a great understanding with Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul in the midfield three controlling the game and dictating possession for the South American side. Scaloni had earlier mentioned that the 26-year-old is irreplaceable ‘footballing wise.’ Now, the injury forces a replacement for the irreplaceable.</p>



<h2>Potential Giovani Lo Celso replacements for Argentina</h2>



<h5>Enzo Fernandez</h5>



<p>The 21-year-old is having a terrific season in Benfica. Now, a host of European giants, including <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a>, <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> and <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a>, keep <a href="https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11408801/Manchester-United-Benfica-star-Enzo-Fernandez-January.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">close tabs</a> on the Argentine. Fernandez fits perfectly in Scaloni’s preferred 4-3-3 system. Surely, he is among the top players to consider for a place in the starting eleve. </p>



<p>He has played a stellar role for Benfica, who are unbeaten in the domestic league. Plus, Benfica finished top of <a href="https:\/\/www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/standings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a vaunted Champions League group</a> that included PSG and Juventus.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🇦🇷 Enzo Fernández is the most valuable U25 player from outside Europe&apos;s top 5 leagues, as per CIES Football. 💰⭐️ <a href="https:\/\/t.co/fbsAGbAsrK">pic.twitter.com/fbsAGbAsrK</a></p>— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/AlbicelesteTalk/status/1589746786054594561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>One of Lo Celso’s biggest strengths was his ability to link up with Messi in the final third. It is a key component of Argentina’s current unbeaten run hitting 35 fixtures. While the Benfica starlet plays in a deeper role, he has excellent ball retaining capability with an envious passing range. </p>



<p>Should the Benfica player start, this could mean that Rodrigo De Paul plays a little further forward when Argentina are in possession.</p>



<h5>Alexis Mac Allister</h5>



<p>Another player who could rightfully claim a place in the starting eleven would Alexis Mac Allister. Like Enzo, Mac Alliser is having a great season at Brighton. The 23-year-old played second fiddle to Pascal Gross at times. Yet, this season, he has been a real revelation for Roberto de Zerbi.  </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alexis Mac Allister for Brighton:<br>⚽️ 5 goals<br>👕 14 games<br><br>Alexis Mac Allister last season for Brighton:<br>⚽️ 5 goals<br>👕 33 games <a href="https:\/\/t.co/BbUeRQfKVL">pic.twitter.com/BbUeRQfKVL</a></p>— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/RoyNemer/status/1591830722637139972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Mac Allister has been the anchor for the Premier League side and rarely makes a poor pass. He also has an eye for the goal and is adept at taking set pieces. Essentially, he can seamlessly fill the void Lo Celso thrived on. </p>



<p>Mac Allister’s father, Carlos, has coincidentally played with Argentina’s cult hero Diego Maradona at Boca Juniors in the early 1990s during the latter’s second stint with the club side.</p>



<p>Mac Allister started the friendly against the United Arab Emirates alongside Paredes and De Paul. Eventually, Enzo Fernandez also featured. </p>



<h5>The others</h5>



<p>Having been placed in <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">Group C</a> with Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia, it feels as if Scaloni will change his starting eleven depending on the opposition. </p>



<p>Messi and company start their campaign against Saudi Arabia. Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez is a fit if Argentina decide to use a more attacking lineup. The 34-year-old is primarily a winger. Therefore, the Albiceleste will line up in a 4-2-3-1. </p>



<p>Exequiel Palacios of Bayer Leverkusen is another option for Scaloni who shone in his last Bundesliga game against VFB Stuttgart. He picked up an assist as his side won, 2-0. </p>



<p>Guido Rodriguez could be a formidable option, too. Rodriguez can play as a central defensive midfielder. Leandro Paredes can occupy a holding role while de Paul pushes up into an advanced role. Guido Rodriguez also played a substitute role against the United Arab Emirates.</p>



<p>Argentina begins its World Cup conquest against Saudi Arabia on <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">Tuesday, Nov. 22</a>.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire</em></p>



<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
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<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
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<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
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<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
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<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


As Giovani Lo Celso misses out on the World Cup through injury, we look at possible replacements that Argentina can use in that role.

Potential Argentina replacements for pivotal Giovani Lo Celso

Latest news from Lionel Scaloni. Find out about all the news related to Lionel Scaloni on worldsoccertalk.com

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Saudi Arabia stun Argentina in World Cup classic

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Potential Argentina replacements for pivotal Giovani Lo Celso