Argentina eased to 9-1 for World Cup glory after shock loss to superb Saudis

Saudi Arabia pulled off what had been billed as the greatest World Cup shock yesterday after goals from Saleh Al Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari secured a shock come-from-behind 2-1 success over Argentina in Lusail.

Argentina took a 1-0 lead through Lionel Messi's tenth-minute penalty and had three first-half goals chalked off, but they were on the wrong end of an astonishing second-half fightback which ended their 36-match unbeaten run and raised serious doubts over their chances of qualifying from Group C.

A Saudi Arabia victory was priced up pre-match at a high of 22-1 but their slim hopes seemed to evaporate after Messi's penalty and they were matched at a high of 1000 (999-1) on Betfair, while Argentina were backed at a low of 1.02.

The result was generally a good one for bookmakers but Coral reported 31 backers of the Argentina-Saudi Arabia half-time/full-time wager at 200-1. Of those bets the highest individual stake was £11.

After the game Argentina were eased from 6-1 second-favourites to lift the trophy to 9-1 while Saudi Arabia were trimmed from 750-1 to 425-1.

The points were shared in the day's other Group C match with Mexico holding Poland to a goalless draw in Al Rayyan.

Robert Lewandowski had a glorious chance to win it for the Poles but his 58th-minute penalty was saved by Guillermo Ochoa.

There was a lack of drama in the Group D contest between Denmark and Tunisia which finished 0-0 after a commendable defensive effort from the north Africans.

Substitute Andreas Cornelius missed the best chance for the Danes, who were eased from 28-1 to 35-1 outright.

Portugal begin their World Cup challenge against Ghana on Thursday and they can benefit from the full focus of their captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who has left Manchester United with immediate effect.

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