Kuala Lumpur: As the curtains came down on the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Saudi Arabia would have smiled even though they missed out on a place in the knockout stage.
Lionel Messi may have hoisted the trophy, but history will show that Saudi Arabia not only were the last team to beat Argentina before they emerged champions for a third time but were also the side to end the South American side's 36-match unbeaten run heading into Qatar 2022.
Group stage results
vs Argentina 2-1
vs Poland 0-2
vs Mexico 1-2
Saudi Arabia fans must have feared the worst when Messi opened the scoring for Argentina 10 minutes into their opening Group C match at the Lusail Stadium.
Having been at the receiving end of a 5-0 defeat to Russia four years ago, there must have been trepidation of a similar result but what unfolded was something no fan would have expected.
Instead of caving in, head coach Herve Renard's side rose to the occasion as Argentina - with three goals ruled out for offside - were curtailed for the remainder of the first half.
An incredible five-minute spell after the break saw Saleh Al Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari turn the game on its head as Saudi Arabia went 2-1 up by the 53rd-minute mark before withstanding an Argentina onslaught to secure the greatest result in their history.
Saudi Arabia were unable to build on their opening-round win as they slipped to a 2-0 loss against Poland on Matchday Two.
Piotr Zielinski struck six minutes from the end of the first half to give Poland the lead and Al Dawsari saw Wojciech Szczesny save his 45th minute spot-kick before Robert Lewandowski put the outcome beyond doubt eight minutes from time.
That meant only a win would do against Mexico but a depleted and injury-stricken Saudi Arabia lost footing under constant attacks to suffer a 2-1 defeat.
Despite the heartbreak, Saudi Arabia showed the world their quality and will already be planning for a return to the global showpiece.
Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard said, "We did our best and we will not forget the work we did together. I am proud to work with the team and the players."
Source: AFC
