Saudi Arabia declares public holiday after shock World Cup win over Argentina
Saudi Arabia declared a public holiday on Tuesday for Wednesday, following their team’s shock win over Argentina at the Qatar World Cup.
Captained by Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, Argentina were expected to make short work of the unfancied Saudis before a deep run in the competition.
They came to Qatar as second favourites to lift the trophy behind South American rivals Brazil.
But many thousands of Saudi Arabian fans packed the Lusail Stadium in Doha to cheer their team to a remarkable comeback victory.
A quickfire double of second-half goals by Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari eclipsed Messi’s early penalty kick goal.
“One of the biggest shocks in FIFA World Cup history,” tweeted the country’s official account.
Saudi Arabia’s public holiday applies to all employees in public and private sectors, as well as students.
The Saudi ruling Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was visible at the opening game of the tournament, sitting alongside much-maligned FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Saudi Arabia is bidding for hosting rights to the 2030 World Cup.
Argentina’s tournament is now already at risk of collapsing and they face a battle to emerge from Group C as one of two qualifiers for the knockout rounds.
They take on Mexico next on Saturday, after Saudi Arabia play Poland earlier in the day.
(Reuters/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Politics
Kogi Guber: Tribunal adjourns hearing until May 13
The petitioners are challenging Mr Ododo’s victory in the November 11, 2023, governorship election in Kogi.
Agriculture
FG distributes concentrates to cattle farmers affected by 2022 floods in Plateau
The director urged the farmers to use the palliatives wisely, adding that they were meant to assist them in boosting their production.
NationWide
Nigeria’s Gbenga Agboola named vice chairman, U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Africa Business Centre
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Africa Business Centre said Flutterwave’s commitment to strengthening U.S.-Africa ties was the catalyst for Mr Agboola’s appointment.
NationWide
Nigerians must support Tinubu as he ‘works hard’ to address country’s challenges: Governor Ododo
The governor said Mr Tinubu was aware of the strategic implications of any breach of security in Kogi as a gateway state to the North and the South.
Education
We are open to public scrutiny, NELFUND tells Nigerians
The managing director said that NELFUND, under his watch, would not deviate from its sole mandate of giving as many loans as possible to Nigerians in need of them.
Showbiz
Veteran Nollywood actor Ogunjimi is dead
Legendary Yoruba Nollywood actor Ganiyu Oyeyemi, also known as Ogunjimi, has died.