Gotta say, this has been a tactical masterclass from Saudi Arabia. I thought, like many, that the defensive high line was suicide, but they've been excellent and disciplined.
Even if Saudi Arabia doesn't pull this off, they've shown how to beat Argentina, who doesn't have the speed in attack to exploit a high line.
Argentina have gained some composure now ... but Saudis are still energized and running on adrenaline. They are alert at everything Argentina is throwing at them.
Even without speed, I think they could have exploited that high line better. Just a question of mistimed runs.
Saudi GK is a flashback to 80s/90s when GK defending a lead went down every time they touched the ball to waste time.
Yep. It has been a problem with them for a long time now. Di Maria was the only one with real speed. But in their best chance to win a WC in 14, he got injured.
Beating Mexico and Poland is doable for Argentina. So it's not over. But they are going to need some psych work after this game.
I’m not counting Argentina out of course. I do think people are overrating their chances winning the WC.
Obviously a Poland-Mexico draw suits Argentina best. Having the 36-game unbeaten streak broken now is probably the best if Argentina still does look to go deep in the WC. It's a gut check, and whatever complacency they had is now evaporated.