Messi’s Argentina expected to roll over Saudis in opener

Saudi Arabia are ranked 48 places lower than Argentina, lost to Venezuela, Colombia and Croatia in a mixed bag of friendlies, and have a dismal record at opening games including losing 5-0 to Russia in 2018 and 8-0 to Germany in 2002.

Yet they have pedigree too: this is their sixth World Cup, they reached the last 16 in 1994, and they made it to Qatar by topping their group ahead of Japan.

“I saw a country full of young, talented players. We achieved our first target, let’s work together for the rest,” said coach Herve Renard.  

Renard’s far lesser-known team is entirely home-based, with the financial clout of the Saudi Pro League ensuring few leading players aspire to venture overseas. Argentina will pay particular attention to their captain and veteran midfielder Salman al-Faraj, whose elegant play has helped Al Hilal dominate Asian club football in recent years.