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
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
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.”
NationWide
UN advocates stronger cooperation framework with Nigeria to drive growth
Mr Fall stressed the need to strengthen the UN-Nigeria cooperation framework to bolster national growth.
Agriculture
Nigeria, Brazil deepen partnership on agriculture, livestock development
Mr Shettima said both countries will roll out bilateral partnerships in agriculture and livestock under the initiative.
Heading 1
Troops detain terrorists’ logistics suppliers, recover weapons in southern Kaduna
Mr Oteh disclosed that the suspects were intercepted and subsequently arrested by troops while travelling from Plateau to Niger State.
Heading 2
Primaries Fallout: APC chairman advises aggrieved aspirants to accept defeat
Mr Bello urged those who couldn’t make it in the just-concluded APC primaries to emulate the speaker by accepting the outcome.
NationWide
NTAC deploys 28 TAC volunteers to Uganda to bridge educational gaps
Mr Yakub expressed satisfaction with the quality of Nigerian professionals selected for deployment to Uganda.
World
South African police arrest four over attempted murder
The suspects are expected to appear before the Virginia Magistrate’s Court soon, the police said.
