World Cup 2022: Saudi Arabia Declares Public Holiday After Historic Win Over Argentina

The Saudi Kingdom has declared tomorrow, November 23, 2022, a statutory holiday, following the nation’s 2-1 win against World Cup favorites Argentina on Tuesday.

According to the UAE’s Kaleej Times, the holiday applies to all employees in both the public and private sectors, as well as all students across the country.

One of the greatest World Cup surprises in history saw Saudi Arabia defeat Argentina 2-1 on Tuesday at the Lusail Stadium in Doha, ending the football nation’s 36-match unbeaten run.

This isn’t the first time a public holiday has been announced after a World Cup win. A national holiday was also proclaimed in Cameroon the following day as a result of Cameroon’s outstanding performance against Argentina in the tournament’s opening game in 1990, which is sometimes cited as one of the biggest upsets in football history.

Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over Lionel Messi’s Argentina by Saudi Arabia was one of the biggest World Cup upsets ever.

Messi’s quest for the one major championship that has eluded him got off to a stunning start, reminding people of Cameroon’s 1-0 victory over Diego Maradona’s Argentina in the 1990 World Cup opener.

The Saudis prevailed thanks to goals by Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari in quick succession in the second half. With Messi’s penalty kick in the 10th minute, Argentina took the lead right away.

Argentina’s defeat ranks up there with past shocking World Cup results like Senegal’s 1-0 victory over defending champion France in the tournament’s opening match in 2002 and the United States’ 1-0 victory over England in 1950.