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France v Australia (Group D) - Live Stream - FIFA World Cup 2022
AL WAKRAH, QATAR - NOVEMBER 22: Olivier Giroud of France celebrates scoring his side's second goal with their teammate Ousmane Dembele during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group D match between France and Australia at Al Janoub Stadium on November 22, 2022 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) Credit: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
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Matchday 3 Live Blog: France win against Socceroos
Join us for Matchday 3 as we bring you the key moments and highlights from today's FIFA World Cup fixtures.
AL WAKRAH, QATAR - NOVEMBER 22: Olivier Giroud of France celebrates scoring his side's second goal with their teammate Ousmane Dembele during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group D match between France and Australia at Al Janoub Stadium on November 22, 2022 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) Credit: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
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Second half starts
46' - Tunisia begin second half
The African nation restart proceedings looking to cause an upset in Group D.
The African nation restart proceedings looking to cause an upset in Group D.
Half-time whistle blows
HT - The referee calls an end to the first half
Both sets of players depart the pitch after a fairly even 45 minutes of football in Ar-Rayyan.
Denmark boasted the majority of possession but it was Tunisia who had the lion's share of chances, testing Kasper Schmeichel's goal with an array of efforts.
Both sets of players depart the pitch after a fairly even 45 minutes of football in Ar-Rayyan.
Denmark boasted the majority of possession but it was Tunisia who had the lion's share of chances, testing Kasper Schmeichel's goal with an array of efforts.
First half under way
1' - Kick-off
We are underway with the start of the first half at Education City Stadium.
We are underway with the start of the first half at Education City Stadium.
Tunisia Stats
· Two teams at the 2022 edition have competed in multiple World Cups and never progressed to the knockout phase: Tunisia and IR Iran (both 5). The only team to make more World Cup appearances without ever reaching the knockout phase are Scotland (8).
· In Tunisia's five World Cup campaigns, they finished third in their group on three occasions (1978, 2006, 2018) and bottom of their group twice (1998, 2002).
· Tunisia won two of their 15 World Cup matches (W2-D4-L9). Those two victories were in their first and most recent World Cup games: 3-1 against Mexico in Rosario in 1978 and 2-1 versus Panama in Saransk in 2018.
· Tunisia lost their opening game in three of their five World Cup appearances (W1-D1-L3), including a 2-1 defeat against England in 2018 when they were beaten by a 91st-minute winner by Harry Kane.
· Tunisia kept one clean sheet in their 15 World Cup fixtures, in a 0-0 draw versus West Germany in Córdoba in their final group stage game in 1978.
· Tunisia qualified for the 2022 World Cup after a 1-0 aggregate victory against Mali in the third round of CAF qualifying: 1-0 away win (own goal by Moussa Sissako) and 0-0 home draw. Wahbi Khazri (3) was their leading goalscorer in qualifying, and Aissa Laidouni and Ali Maâloul were the only players to play in all eight qualifiers.
· Tunisia were runners-up in the 2021 Arab Cup (hosted by Qatar), losing 2-0 after extra time against Algeria in the final. Seifeddine Jaziri (4) finished as the tournament's leading goalscorer.
· Tunisia lost only one of their last nine matches (W6-D2-L1), a 5-1 friendly defeat versus Brazil in Paris on 27 September. Their final pre-tournament friendly was a 2-0 win against IR Iran in Al Rayyan on 16 November (goals by Naïm Sliti and Ali Abdy).
· Only Issam Jemaa (36) has scored as many goals for Tunisia as Wahbi Khazri (24). Youssef Msakni (17) is joint-sixth on the list, one behind fifth-place Faouzi Rouissi (18).
· Wahbi Khazri (2) is the only player to score multiple World Cup goals for Tunisia. Other players in the current squad to have netted a World Cup goal are Ferjani Sassi and Dylan Bronn (both 1). No player has scored for Tunisia at multiple World Cups.
· Hannibal Mejbri (19y-305d) can become the second teenager to make a World Cup appearance for Tunisia, after Yasin Chikhaoui (19y-265d) in 2006.
· Anis Ben Slimane was born in Copenhagen and played for Denmark at U19 level. He currently plays for Brøndby IF.
Courtesy of Gracenote
· In Tunisia's five World Cup campaigns, they finished third in their group on three occasions (1978, 2006, 2018) and bottom of their group twice (1998, 2002).
· Tunisia won two of their 15 World Cup matches (W2-D4-L9). Those two victories were in their first and most recent World Cup games: 3-1 against Mexico in Rosario in 1978 and 2-1 versus Panama in Saransk in 2018.
· Tunisia lost their opening game in three of their five World Cup appearances (W1-D1-L3), including a 2-1 defeat against England in 2018 when they were beaten by a 91st-minute winner by Harry Kane.
· Tunisia kept one clean sheet in their 15 World Cup fixtures, in a 0-0 draw versus West Germany in Córdoba in their final group stage game in 1978.
· Tunisia qualified for the 2022 World Cup after a 1-0 aggregate victory against Mali in the third round of CAF qualifying: 1-0 away win (own goal by Moussa Sissako) and 0-0 home draw. Wahbi Khazri (3) was their leading goalscorer in qualifying, and Aissa Laidouni and Ali Maâloul were the only players to play in all eight qualifiers.
· Tunisia were runners-up in the 2021 Arab Cup (hosted by Qatar), losing 2-0 after extra time against Algeria in the final. Seifeddine Jaziri (4) finished as the tournament's leading goalscorer.
· Tunisia lost only one of their last nine matches (W6-D2-L1), a 5-1 friendly defeat versus Brazil in Paris on 27 September. Their final pre-tournament friendly was a 2-0 win against IR Iran in Al Rayyan on 16 November (goals by Naïm Sliti and Ali Abdy).
· Only Issam Jemaa (36) has scored as many goals for Tunisia as Wahbi Khazri (24). Youssef Msakni (17) is joint-sixth on the list, one behind fifth-place Faouzi Rouissi (18).
· Wahbi Khazri (2) is the only player to score multiple World Cup goals for Tunisia. Other players in the current squad to have netted a World Cup goal are Ferjani Sassi and Dylan Bronn (both 1). No player has scored for Tunisia at multiple World Cups.
· Hannibal Mejbri (19y-305d) can become the second teenager to make a World Cup appearance for Tunisia, after Yasin Chikhaoui (19y-265d) in 2006.
· Anis Ben Slimane was born in Copenhagen and played for Denmark at U19 level. He currently plays for Brøndby IF.
Courtesy of Gracenote
Denmark Stats
· This is Denmark's sixth appearance at the World Cup, after 1986, 1998, 2002, 2010 and 2018. Their best performance was reaching the quarter-finals in 1998 (eliminated 3-2 by Brazil).
· Denmark were eliminated in the group stage in only one of their five World Cup appearances. They finished third in their group in 2010, behind Netherlands and Japan.
· Denmark won their opening game in four of their five World Cup appearances. The only exception was a 2-0 defeat against Netherlands in 2010, the only time the Danes were eliminated in the group stage.
· Denmark qualified for the 2022 World Cup by winning Group F of UEFA qualifying. Their record was W9-D0-L1 with an aggregate score of 30-3. The Danes (8) kept the most clean sheets in UEFA qualifying.
· Denmark have not drawn any of their last 22 matches (W15-D0-L7), since a 1-1 friendly draw versus Germany in Innsbruck on 2 June 2021.
· Denmark drew each of their last three World Cup fixtures (including in the 2018 round of last 16 when they were eliminated on penalties by Croatia). Only two teams have had more successive World Cup draws: Belgium (5, 1998-2002) and Republic of Ireland (4, 1990). Note: games decided by a penalty shootout are classed as a draw.
· Christian Eriksen and Simon Kjær played for Denmark in the World Cups in 2010 and 2018. They can equal the Danish record of playing at three World Cups, held by Martin Jørgensen (1998, 2002, 2010).
· The two members of the Denmark squad to score a World Cup goal are Yussuf Poulsen (2018 versus Peru) and Christian Eriksen (2018 versus Australia). The three players to net for the Danes at multiple World Cups are Michael Laudrup (1986, 1998), Jon Dahl Tomasson (2002, 2010) and Dennis Rommedahl (2002, 2010).
· Christian Eriksen (39) is fifth in Denmark's all-time leading goalscorers. The top four are Jon Dahl Tomasson (52), Poul Nielsen (52), Pauli Jørgensen (44) and Ole Madsen (42).
· Joakim Mæhle and Andreas Skov Olsen (both 5) were Denmark's joint-leading goalscorers in qualification for the 2022 World Cup. The Danes had 18 different goalscorers in qualifying, more than any other UEFA nation (excluding own goals).
· Daniel Wass (Brøndby IF) and Andreas Cornelius (FC København) are the two members of the Denmark squad to play their club football in Denmark. It is the joint-fewest domestic-based players the Danes have had in a World Cup squad (also two in 2002).
· Brentford (3) are the club to have the most players in Denmark's 2022 World Cup squad: Mathias Jensen, Mikkel Damsgaard and Christian Nørgaard.
· Kasper Schmeichel (4) is one short of equalling the total number of World Cup appearances by his father Peter Schmeichel (5).
Courtesy of Gracenote
· Denmark were eliminated in the group stage in only one of their five World Cup appearances. They finished third in their group in 2010, behind Netherlands and Japan.
· Denmark won their opening game in four of their five World Cup appearances. The only exception was a 2-0 defeat against Netherlands in 2010, the only time the Danes were eliminated in the group stage.
· Denmark qualified for the 2022 World Cup by winning Group F of UEFA qualifying. Their record was W9-D0-L1 with an aggregate score of 30-3. The Danes (8) kept the most clean sheets in UEFA qualifying.
· Denmark have not drawn any of their last 22 matches (W15-D0-L7), since a 1-1 friendly draw versus Germany in Innsbruck on 2 June 2021.
· Denmark drew each of their last three World Cup fixtures (including in the 2018 round of last 16 when they were eliminated on penalties by Croatia). Only two teams have had more successive World Cup draws: Belgium (5, 1998-2002) and Republic of Ireland (4, 1990). Note: games decided by a penalty shootout are classed as a draw.
· Christian Eriksen and Simon Kjær played for Denmark in the World Cups in 2010 and 2018. They can equal the Danish record of playing at three World Cups, held by Martin Jørgensen (1998, 2002, 2010).
· The two members of the Denmark squad to score a World Cup goal are Yussuf Poulsen (2018 versus Peru) and Christian Eriksen (2018 versus Australia). The three players to net for the Danes at multiple World Cups are Michael Laudrup (1986, 1998), Jon Dahl Tomasson (2002, 2010) and Dennis Rommedahl (2002, 2010).
· Christian Eriksen (39) is fifth in Denmark's all-time leading goalscorers. The top four are Jon Dahl Tomasson (52), Poul Nielsen (52), Pauli Jørgensen (44) and Ole Madsen (42).
· Joakim Mæhle and Andreas Skov Olsen (both 5) were Denmark's joint-leading goalscorers in qualification for the 2022 World Cup. The Danes had 18 different goalscorers in qualifying, more than any other UEFA nation (excluding own goals).
· Daniel Wass (Brøndby IF) and Andreas Cornelius (FC København) are the two members of the Denmark squad to play their club football in Denmark. It is the joint-fewest domestic-based players the Danes have had in a World Cup squad (also two in 2002).
· Brentford (3) are the club to have the most players in Denmark's 2022 World Cup squad: Mathias Jensen, Mikkel Damsgaard and Christian Nørgaard.
· Kasper Schmeichel (4) is one short of equalling the total number of World Cup appearances by his father Peter Schmeichel (5).
Courtesy of Gracenote
Head-to-Head: Denmark v Tunisia
· Denmark and Tunisia have met two times before. Both previous matches were also at a neutral venue.
· Denmark defeated Tunisia 3-1 in L'Aquila, Italy, in the group stage of the 1960 Olympic Games (including two goals by Harald Nielsen). The Danes went on to claim the silver medal, losing 3-1 against Yugoslavia in the gold medal game.
· Denmark and Tunisia met in Wakayama, Japan, on 26 May 2002, in both nations' final friendly before the 2002 World Cup. The Danes won 2-1 through goals by Jesper Grønkjær (17') and Ebbe Sand (67'). Ziad Jaziri (62') netted for the Tunisians.
· Denmark are unbeaten in all four World Cup games against CAF opposition (W2-D2-L0). Those matches were versus South Africa (1-1 draw in the 1998 group stage), Nigeria (4-1 win in the 1998 round of last 16), Senegal (1-1 draw in the 2002 group stage) and Cameroon (2-1 win in the 2010 group stage).
· Tunisia are winless in all 10 World Cup matches versus UEFA opposition (W0-D3-L7), including losing each of the last four.
· Tunisia's most recent game against UEFA opposition was a 2-1 friendly victory versus Croatia in Varaždin on 11 June 2019 (winning goal by Naïm Sliti). It ended their 13-match winless run against UEFA teams.
· Anis Ben Slimane (Brøndby IF) and Issam Jebali (OB) play their club football in Denmark. Ben Slimane can face his club teammate Daniel Wass.
Courtesy of Gracenote
· Denmark defeated Tunisia 3-1 in L'Aquila, Italy, in the group stage of the 1960 Olympic Games (including two goals by Harald Nielsen). The Danes went on to claim the silver medal, losing 3-1 against Yugoslavia in the gold medal game.
· Denmark and Tunisia met in Wakayama, Japan, on 26 May 2002, in both nations' final friendly before the 2002 World Cup. The Danes won 2-1 through goals by Jesper Grønkjær (17') and Ebbe Sand (67'). Ziad Jaziri (62') netted for the Tunisians.
· Denmark are unbeaten in all four World Cup games against CAF opposition (W2-D2-L0). Those matches were versus South Africa (1-1 draw in the 1998 group stage), Nigeria (4-1 win in the 1998 round of last 16), Senegal (1-1 draw in the 2002 group stage) and Cameroon (2-1 win in the 2010 group stage).
· Tunisia are winless in all 10 World Cup matches versus UEFA opposition (W0-D3-L7), including losing each of the last four.
· Tunisia's most recent game against UEFA opposition was a 2-1 friendly victory versus Croatia in Varaždin on 11 June 2019 (winning goal by Naïm Sliti). It ended their 13-match winless run against UEFA teams.
· Anis Ben Slimane (Brøndby IF) and Issam Jebali (OB) play their club football in Denmark. Ben Slimane can face his club teammate Daniel Wass.
Courtesy of Gracenote
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FT - They've done it!
Saudi Arabia have stunned Argentina 2-1 in their opening match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
You can watch the replay, mini match and highlights from this fixture via our dedicated match hub, here: https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/fifa-world-cup-2022-argentina-v-saudi-arabia-group-c
Thanks for following our live blog - we'll be back for the Denmark v Tunisia shortly!
Saudi Arabia have stunned Argentina 2-1 in their opening match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
You can watch the replay, mini match and highlights from this fixture via our dedicated match hub, here: https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/fifa-world-cup-2022-argentina-v-saudi-arabia-group-c
Thanks for following our live blog - we'll be back for the Denmark v Tunisia shortly!
Saudi Arabia have taken the lead
53' - Saudi Arabia have turned this match on its head!
Unbelievable scenes in Lusail! Saudi Arabia have stunned Argentina with their second goal of the contest through Salem Al-Dawsari.
Al-Dawsari's curled effort caressed the back of the net despite Emiliano Martinez getting a finger to the ball on its way through.
Who saw this coming?!
Unbelievable scenes in Lusail! Saudi Arabia have stunned Argentina with their second goal of the contest through Salem Al-Dawsari.
Al-Dawsari's curled effort caressed the back of the net despite Emiliano Martinez getting a finger to the ball on its way through.
Who saw this coming?!
Saudi draw level
48' - Saudi Arabia have squared things up!
Would you believe it? Barely three minutes into the second half, Saleh Al-Shehri has Saudi Arabia level.
A great ball from Firas Al-Buraikan allowed Al-Shehri to angle his shot beyond the outstretched hand of Emiliano Martinez.
Would you believe it? Barely three minutes into the second half, Saleh Al-Shehri has Saudi Arabia level.
A great ball from Firas Al-Buraikan allowed Al-Shehri to angle his shot beyond the outstretched hand of Emiliano Martinez.
Second half starts
46' - Argentina begin second half
Lautaro Martinez restarts proceedings with Argentina looking to see off the challenge of Saudi Arabia.
Lautaro Martinez restarts proceedings with Argentina looking to see off the challenge of Saudi Arabia.
Half-time whistle blows
HT - The referee calls an end to the first half
The players walk down to the tunnel following a rather entertaining 45 minutes of football in Lusail.
The players walk down to the tunnel following a rather entertaining 45 minutes of football in Lusail.
VAR rules out back-to-back goals
29' - Argentina see two goals disallowed!
Just minutes after Lionel Messi had his second goal ruled out for offside, the Video Assistant Referee again intervenes to rule out Lautaro Martinez's effort.
Replays confirmed Martinez had timed his run a little too early before lifting the ball over the onrushing Al Owais.
It remains 1-0 to Argentina.
Just minutes after Lionel Messi had his second goal ruled out for offside, the Video Assistant Referee again intervenes to rule out Lautaro Martinez's effort.
Replays confirmed Martinez had timed his run a little too early before lifting the ball over the onrushing Al Owais.
It remains 1-0 to Argentina.
Messi off the mark
10' - Messi holds his nerve!
Lionel Messi has his first goal of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, converting his penalty past Al Owais.
The referee had spotted a foul inside the box following a brief check with the Video Assistant Referee and pointed to the spot, allowing Argentina's main man to step up and score.
Lionel Messi has his first goal of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, converting his penalty past Al Owais.
The referee had spotted a foul inside the box following a brief check with the Video Assistant Referee and pointed to the spot, allowing Argentina's main man to step up and score.
First half under way
1' - Kick-off
We are underway with the start of the first half at Lusail Stadium.
We are underway with the start of the first half at Lusail Stadium.
Saudi Arabia Stats
· Saudi Arabia have a 23% chance of reaching the knockout phase. This is the third-lowest of all 32 teams, ahead of only Cameroon (13%) and Ghana (14%).
· This is Saudi Arabia's sixth appearance at the World Cup, after 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2018.
· Saudi Arabia reached the round of last 16 at their debut World Cup in 1994 (eliminated 3-1 by Sweden in Dallas). They were knocked out in the group stage in all four participations since.
· Saudi Arabia won three of their 16 World Cup matches (W3-D2-L11). They defeated Morocco (2-1) and Belgium (1-0) in 1994, and Egypt (2-1) in 2018.
· Saudi Arabia lost their opening game in four of their five appearances at the World Cup. The exception was a 2-2 draw versus Tunisia in Munich in 2006. The Green Falcons featured in the opening fixture of the 2018 World Cup (5-0 defeat against Russia in Moscow).
· Saudi Arabia and Qatar are the two squads at the 2022 World Cup made up of only domestic-based players. Players from Al Hilal make up 46% of the Saudi Arabia squad (12 of 26).
· Hervé Renard was Morocco manager at the 2018 World Cup. They finished bottom of their group on one point (lost against IR Iran and Portugal, drew versus Spain).
· Renard is the third Frenchman to manage multiple foreign teams at the World Cup, after Henri Michel (Cameroon, Morocco, Côte d'Ivoire) and Philippe Troussier (South Africa, Japan).
· Renard has won the Africa Cup of Nations twice as a manager, winning both finals on penalties: 2012 for Zambia (against Côte d'Ivoire) and 2015 for Côte d'Ivoire (against Ghana).
· This is Saudi Arabia's sixth appearance at the World Cup, after 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2018.
· Saudi Arabia reached the round of last 16 at their debut World Cup in 1994 (eliminated 3-1 by Sweden in Dallas). They were knocked out in the group stage in all four participations since.
· Saudi Arabia won three of their 16 World Cup matches (W3-D2-L11). They defeated Morocco (2-1) and Belgium (1-0) in 1994, and Egypt (2-1) in 2018.
· Saudi Arabia lost their opening game in four of their five appearances at the World Cup. The exception was a 2-2 draw versus Tunisia in Munich in 2006. The Green Falcons featured in the opening fixture of the 2018 World Cup (5-0 defeat against Russia in Moscow).
· Saudi Arabia and Qatar are the two squads at the 2022 World Cup made up of only domestic-based players. Players from Al Hilal make up 46% of the Saudi Arabia squad (12 of 26).
· Hervé Renard was Morocco manager at the 2018 World Cup. They finished bottom of their group on one point (lost against IR Iran and Portugal, drew versus Spain).
· Renard is the third Frenchman to manage multiple foreign teams at the World Cup, after Henri Michel (Cameroon, Morocco, Côte d'Ivoire) and Philippe Troussier (South Africa, Japan).
· Renard has won the Africa Cup of Nations twice as a manager, winning both finals on penalties: 2012 for Zambia (against Côte d'Ivoire) and 2015 for Côte d'Ivoire (against Ghana).
Argentina Stats
· Argentina have a 16% chance of winning the tournament. This makes them second favourites behind Brazil (20%).
· This is Argentina's 18th appearance at the World Cup. Only Brazil (all 22, including 2022), (West) Germany (20, including 2022) and Italy (18) have participated in as many World Cups.
· Argentina are present at a 13th consecutive World Cup. They have not missed out on the tournament since failing to qualify for the 1970 edition in Mexico.
· Argentina have reached the final of the World Cup on five occasions. They won the trophy in 1978 (as hosts) and 1986, and were runners-up in 1930, 1990 and 2014.
· A CONMEBOL nation has not won the World Cup since Brazil lifted the trophy in 2002. The longest gap between World Cup winners from CONMEBOL is 20 years between Uruguay's triumphs in 1930 and 1950 (only two World Cups were played between those two editions because of the Second World War).
· Since winning the trophy in 1986, Argentina have failed to reach the knockout phase of the World Cup on only one occasion. They were eliminated in the group stage in 2002 (in the only previous edition hosted in Asia), finishing third behind Sweden and England.
· Argentina won the 2021 Copa América. The World Cup has never been won by the holders of the Copa América.
· Argentina were unbeaten in their opening match at each of the last seven World Cups (W6-D1-L0), since a 1-0 defeat versus Cameroon in Milan in the opening game of the 1990 tournament. The only opener La Albiceleste dropped points in since then was a 1-1 draw versus Iceland in Moscow in 2018 (Lionel Messi had a penalty saved by Hannes Halldórsson).
· Argentina qualified for the 2022 World Cup after finishing second behind Brazil in CONMEBOL qualifying. La Albiceleste's joint-leading goalscorers in qualifying were Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez (both 7). Rodrigo De Paul (16) was their leading appearance maker in qualifying.
· Argentina are unbeaten in 36 matches (W25-D11-L0, game decided by a penalty shootout classed as a draw), since a 2-0 defeat against Brazil in Belo Horizonte in the Copa América semi-finals on 2 July 2019. La Albiceleste can equal the men's international record of 37 consecutive matches unbeaten, set by Italy from 2018 to 2021. Note: Argentina's tally does not include abandoned World Cup qualifier versus Brazil on 5 September 2021.
· Of Argentina's current 36-game unbeaten run, 29 were against fellow CONMEBOL opposition. The other opponents were from CONCACAF (3), UEFA (3) and AFC (1).
· Lional Messi (91 goals in 165 appearances) is Argentina's leading appearance maker and goalscorer.
· Messi has scored for Argentina against 33 different opponents. Saudi Arabia are not on that list (no goals in one appearance).
· Lionel Scaloni's only World Cup appearance was in a 2-1 win after extra time against Mexico in the 2006 round of last 16. He can become the fifth person to play for and manage Argentina at the World Cup.
Courtesy of Gracenote
· This is Argentina's 18th appearance at the World Cup. Only Brazil (all 22, including 2022), (West) Germany (20, including 2022) and Italy (18) have participated in as many World Cups.
· Argentina are present at a 13th consecutive World Cup. They have not missed out on the tournament since failing to qualify for the 1970 edition in Mexico.
· Argentina have reached the final of the World Cup on five occasions. They won the trophy in 1978 (as hosts) and 1986, and were runners-up in 1930, 1990 and 2014.
· A CONMEBOL nation has not won the World Cup since Brazil lifted the trophy in 2002. The longest gap between World Cup winners from CONMEBOL is 20 years between Uruguay's triumphs in 1930 and 1950 (only two World Cups were played between those two editions because of the Second World War).
· Since winning the trophy in 1986, Argentina have failed to reach the knockout phase of the World Cup on only one occasion. They were eliminated in the group stage in 2002 (in the only previous edition hosted in Asia), finishing third behind Sweden and England.
· Argentina won the 2021 Copa América. The World Cup has never been won by the holders of the Copa América.
· Argentina were unbeaten in their opening match at each of the last seven World Cups (W6-D1-L0), since a 1-0 defeat versus Cameroon in Milan in the opening game of the 1990 tournament. The only opener La Albiceleste dropped points in since then was a 1-1 draw versus Iceland in Moscow in 2018 (Lionel Messi had a penalty saved by Hannes Halldórsson).
· Argentina qualified for the 2022 World Cup after finishing second behind Brazil in CONMEBOL qualifying. La Albiceleste's joint-leading goalscorers in qualifying were Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez (both 7). Rodrigo De Paul (16) was their leading appearance maker in qualifying.
· Argentina are unbeaten in 36 matches (W25-D11-L0, game decided by a penalty shootout classed as a draw), since a 2-0 defeat against Brazil in Belo Horizonte in the Copa América semi-finals on 2 July 2019. La Albiceleste can equal the men's international record of 37 consecutive matches unbeaten, set by Italy from 2018 to 2021. Note: Argentina's tally does not include abandoned World Cup qualifier versus Brazil on 5 September 2021.
· Of Argentina's current 36-game unbeaten run, 29 were against fellow CONMEBOL opposition. The other opponents were from CONCACAF (3), UEFA (3) and AFC (1).
· Lional Messi (91 goals in 165 appearances) is Argentina's leading appearance maker and goalscorer.
· Messi has scored for Argentina against 33 different opponents. Saudi Arabia are not on that list (no goals in one appearance).
· Lionel Scaloni's only World Cup appearance was in a 2-1 win after extra time against Mexico in the 2006 round of last 16. He can become the fifth person to play for and manage Argentina at the World Cup.
Courtesy of Gracenote
Head-to-Head: Argentina v Saudi Arabia
· Argentina are unbeaten in all four matches against Saudi Arabia (W2-D2-L0).
· The only competitive game between these nations was in the final of the 1992 Confederations Cup (the inaugural edition of the tournament, that was initially known as the King Fahd Cup). Argentina won 3-1 in Riyadh on 20 October 1992 courtesy of goals by Leonardo Rodriguez (18'), Claudio Caniggia (24') and Diego Simeone (64'). Saeed Owairan (65') scored for Saudi Arabia.
· The most recent match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia was a friendly in Riyadh on 14 November 2012. It finished goalless. Yasser Al-Shahrani, Salem Al-Dossari, Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María all started that game.
· The first two games between these nations were in the Australia Bicentenary Gold Cup, a four-team tournament held in July 1988 (the other two teams were Australia and Brazil). Argentina and Saudi Arabia drew 2-2 in Adelaide in the group stage and La Albiceleste won 2-0 in Canberra in the third-place play-off (goals by Diego Simeone and Oscar Alberto Dertycia).
· Argentina have won all four World Cup matches against teams from the Asian Football Confederation (all were in the group stage). The most recent of those was a 1-0 victory versus IR Iran in Belo Horizonte in 2014 (91st-minute goal by Lionel Messi).
· Saudi Arabia's only World Cup game versus CONMEBOL opposition was a 1-0 group stage defeat against Uruguay in Rostov-na-Donu in 2018 (goal by Luis Suárez).
· Hervé Renard was Morocco manager when they were beaten 1-0 by Lionel Scaloni's Argentina in a friendly in Tangier on 26 March 2019 (83rd-minute goal by Ángel Correa).
Courtesy of Gracenote
· The only competitive game between these nations was in the final of the 1992 Confederations Cup (the inaugural edition of the tournament, that was initially known as the King Fahd Cup). Argentina won 3-1 in Riyadh on 20 October 1992 courtesy of goals by Leonardo Rodriguez (18'), Claudio Caniggia (24') and Diego Simeone (64'). Saeed Owairan (65') scored for Saudi Arabia.
· The most recent match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia was a friendly in Riyadh on 14 November 2012. It finished goalless. Yasser Al-Shahrani, Salem Al-Dossari, Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María all started that game.
· The first two games between these nations were in the Australia Bicentenary Gold Cup, a four-team tournament held in July 1988 (the other two teams were Australia and Brazil). Argentina and Saudi Arabia drew 2-2 in Adelaide in the group stage and La Albiceleste won 2-0 in Canberra in the third-place play-off (goals by Diego Simeone and Oscar Alberto Dertycia).
· Argentina have won all four World Cup matches against teams from the Asian Football Confederation (all were in the group stage). The most recent of those was a 1-0 victory versus IR Iran in Belo Horizonte in 2014 (91st-minute goal by Lionel Messi).
· Saudi Arabia's only World Cup game versus CONMEBOL opposition was a 1-0 group stage defeat against Uruguay in Rostov-na-Donu in 2018 (goal by Luis Suárez).
· Hervé Renard was Morocco manager when they were beaten 1-0 by Lionel Scaloni's Argentina in a friendly in Tangier on 26 March 2019 (83rd-minute goal by Ángel Correa).
Courtesy of Gracenote
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