While fans travelling to support the Green Falcons were in a state of euphoria at the Lusail Stadium and several fans zones in Qatar, supporters back home were in jubilation as they watched the game on giant screens at fan zones in different parts of the country.
The Saudi Arabian government announced a national holiday on Wednesday to celebrate the team’s greatest-ever victory, according to Saudi Gazette.
Al Hilal duo of Saleh Al Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari produced the second-half magic to give Saudi Arabia – ranked 51st in the world – a historic win after Argentina went ahead with a 10-minute penalty by Lionel Messi.
Saudi Arabia’ shock victory over Argentina, who were on a 36-match unbeaten run, was rated as the biggest shock in World Cup history by data company Nielsen Gracenote.
The win is also the first-ever World Cup victory by an Asian side against Argentina.