Jaw-dropping upsets, record-equaling feats and Cristiano Ronaldo somehow making a non-Portugal World Cup game all about himself. It’s been a busy day at World Cup 2022. Here’s everything you need to know and more.
Saudi Arabia declares bank holiday after upset over Argentina
Saudi Arabia’s stunning 2-1 upset win over Argentina is so seismic that a public bank holiday has been declared. Saudi Arabia will give public and private sector workers, as well as students, a day off after their side overcame Lionel Messi and company.
It had looked like the “this is his year” clamour would continue after Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot. But goals from Saleh Al Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari saw the Arabian Falcons enter the history books. Now their fans will have a whole day to savour the victory, as they top Group C following the most spectacular of wins.
Denmark deadlock against resolute Tunisia
Group D kicked off with a goalless draw between Denmark and Tunisia. The game was notable for the welcome return of Christian Eriksen to tournament football. Few could have foreseen when he collapsed at Euro 2020 that he would represent Denmark on the international stage again.
In a group also featuring World Cup holders France, Kasper Hjulmand’s side will rue this as a missed opportunity to get vital points on the board. There was almost hope for the Danes, as a late VAR check could have awarded them a 95th minute penalty. But it was not to be, and they start their campaign with a rather frustrating point.
Lewandowski misses penalty as Poland held by Mexico
For all his incredible gifts and feats, Robert Lewandowski is yet to score at a World Cup. Poland’s talisman saw that barren run extended when Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa saved his penalty.
There was little else to recommend this cagey affair, with neither team taking the opportunity to exert their authority. Mexico arguably shaded it, but you get nothing at a Fifa World Cup for territorial superiority. A chance for one of these teams to take charge in a group where Argentina had endured a shock loss was missed.
Cristiano Ronaldo becomes a free agent
The news broke during the Mexico-Poland game that Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United had agreed to mutually terminate the striker’s contract. The Portugal star could now make yet another piece of history. If he scores at the tournament, he will be the first free agent to net in a World Cup since Argentina’s Alberto Tarantini in 1978.
As shop windows go, there are few better than the world’s biggest football competition. While there will be no shortage of suitors for Ronaldo, we could see a few big teams join the race if ‘CR7’ can impress in Qatar. He’ll get his first chance to do so against Ghana on Thursday.
Olivier Giroud equals Thierry Henry’s record
AC Milan’s Olivier Giroud scored his 50th and 51st senior international goals against Australia. The brace arrived in a 4-1 win for Les Bleus, with Adrien Rabiot and Kylian Mbappe also on the scoresheet.
The celebrations were emotional as teammates rallied around the veteran forward. Much has been made of the fact Giroud has not scored at a major finals since 2014 and these goals provided catharsis as much as they did history. At 36, this is almost certainly Giroud’s last World Cup. He seems intent on going out with a bang.
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