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Featured Image Credit: Alamy & ITV
Topics: Football World Cup, Argentina
Josh Lawless
Saudi Arabia defender Yasser Al-Shahrani was stretchered off after a sickening collision with his own goalkeeper at the end of the incredible 2-1 win over Argentina.
Deep into stoppage time, with Saudi Arabia holding on at the Lusail Stadium, Argentina pumped the ball into the box and Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais made the decision to come for it.
He successfully punched the ball away but his momentum meant his knee struck Al-Shahrani right in the face.
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The left-back also landed horrifically and though the referee did not initially spot the player on the turf, there was distress from players.
Al-Owais was in a serious panic and hurried the medical staff to attend to his teammate, while he sat on the turf discomfort.
Al-Shahrani received treatment and was placed on a stretcher, with Mohammed Al-Burayk coming on as a substitute.
The 30-year-old was seen with a tissue stuck up his nose and made a thumbs up gesture to seemingly inform fans he was conscious.
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Play was halted and the injury delay, coupled with the eight minutes of stoppage time in line with FIFA's new guidelines, led to 103 minutes being played in the Group C clash.
But Saudi Arabia defended imperiously to deliver one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
Lionel Messi had put Argentina 1-0 up from the spot in the 10th minute after Leandro Paredes won a penalty for the Copa America holders.
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La Albiceleste then had THREE goals disallowed in the first half for offside, two of which were efforts from Lautaro Martinez.
But Herve Renard's side came out flying in the second half and sent the stadium into raptures with strikes in quick succession through Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari.
Argentina piled the pressure on but the Green Falcons, ranked 51st in the world, stayed strong and ended the South American outfit's 36-game unbeaten run.