What a day at the World Cup! From a historic upset to superstar drama to tying records, Tuesday had it all. Nobody could have predicted Saudi Arabia‘s shocking win over Argentina, which could be among the sport’s biggest upsets.
Also, Cristiano Ronaldo‘s feud with Manchester United is over as he has left the club, right before Portugal kick off their campaign. We also saw Olivier Giroud join a France scoring legend, and Mexico keeper (and five-time World Cup participant) Guillermo Ochoa continue to do what he does best.
Be sure to check in with ESPN throughout the tournament as we bring the latest from Qatar. Here’s what you may have missed from Tuesday’s World Cup happenings.
– World Cup news, features, previews, and more
– Stream FC Daily and Futbol Americas on ESPN+
Greatest upset ever? Argentina fall flat vs. Saudi Arabia
Seismic. Unbelievable. Phenomenal (if you’re a Saudi Arabia fan). Catastrophic (if you’re an Argentina supporter).
However you want to describe it, Tuesday’s result will go down as one of the most memorable scorelines in soccer history. Just days ago, we were all talking about how Lionel Messi would finally lift the World Cup trophy and secure that GOAT status. Now, Argentina have work to do to get out of the group stage.
Where to begin? Well, first of all, let’s look at how this game ranks among the biggest upsets at the World Cup. Hint — it’s not Argentina’s first time to be on the short end of one of these games. And how will an elite side such as this one bounce back after this bump in the road? Messi, seeking the only major trophy that has eluded him in his career, said that his teammates have “no excuses” if they are to advance in Qatar.
So, kudos to Herve Renard’s side for ripping up the script and producing possibly the biggest win by an Asian side at the World Cup. Whether it was VAR-aided luck or due to securing the best practice facilities, Saudi Arabia can celebrate their fourth win ever at World Cup matches in style. So much so that the King Salman declared Wednesday a public holiday in Saudi Arabia.
Mexico’s memorable ‘Memo’ party continues as Lewandowski denied
El Tri couldn’t capitalize on a raucous crowd, but Guillermo Ochoa’s save on Robert Lewandowski‘s penalty attempt was as impactful as any goal that Mexico could have scored.
Barcelona’s Ansu set to shine for Spain after journey that began in Guinea-Bissau
Spain’s Ansu Fati, already a star for Barcelona aged 20, has experienced more highs and lows than most players.
What’s it like to win a big World Cup upset like Saudi Arabia vs. Argentina?
World Cups are usually won by elite sides, but there are still seismic shocks. What’s it like to be on the winning end of a massive upset?
Matches on tap for Wednesday
– Group E: Germany vs. Japan (Khalifa International Stadium; 2 a.m. ET)
Among a roster list of household names, expect 17-year-old Jamal Musiala to outshine them all as Germany seek a sixth World Cup title. But Japan can very well pull off a victory — plenty of their players ply their club trade in the Bundesliga and will be very familiar with their German opponents.
– Group F: Morocco vs. Croatia (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor; 5 a.m. ET)
The runners-up of the 2018 World Cup return a bit older, but don’t overlook Luka Modric‘s ability to create some midfield magic for Croatia. Morocco have key players such as Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi across a talented roster, so don’t count them out to make a splash in the group stage.
– Group E: Spain vs. Costa Rica (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha; 11 a.m. ET)
Looking for a “just vibes” teams among the favorites? Go with Spain. Plenty of youngsters (Gavi, Pedri, Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres) even if we can only guess how coach Luis Enrique will line them all up. As for Costa Rica, they’ll look to recapture that 2014 magic, all of which will depend on Keylor Navas‘ ability to keep them in games.
– Group F: Belgium vs. Canada (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan; 2 p.m. ET)
It may be twilight for Belgium’s “Golden Generation” of Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, but that experience should guide them well in a wide-open group. Canada are back in the World Cup for the first time since 1986, but don’t expect them to just enjoy the trip. Even without an injured Alphonso Davies, there is a solid core in this squad.
What else caught our eye
Does it seem like some of these games are longer than usual? Well, because they are.
Prolonged periods of stoppage time being added due to injuries and VAR have made each of the first four games of the tournament go over 100 minutes.
