Lionel Messi's first penalty put Lionel Scaloni's side ahead, but not long after the break, clinical completions from Saleh Al Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari turned the game on its head, and an unwavering defensive display ensured victory.
Argentina experienced quite possibly the greatest shock in World Cup history as their 36-match unbeaten run reached a conclusion in sensational style against Saudi Arabia in Lusail.
Lionel Messi appeared to have set up the Albiceleste for victory by scoring his 91st international goal from the penalty spot inside 10 minutes after Saud Abdulhamid was punished for holding Leandro Paredes, and Messi also had a work disallowed for offside in the first half, while Lautaro Martinez himself was denied twice by the linesman's banner.
In any case, apparently excited by supervisor Herve Renard's half-time group talk, the Green Birds of Prey dazzled their celebrated adversaries twice inside the space of five minutes.
Saleh Al Shehri drew his country level, crashing into the case and getting his strike into the furthest corner from a tight point before Nawad Al Abed's hindered shot was delivered once again from the sky by Salem Al Dawsari, who then wandered aimlessly and left a few Argentina players in tangles before shockingly twisting past Emiliano Martinez to turn the match on its head.
Saudi piled up six appointments in the final period as they made an honest effort (naturally) to separate the challenge, with goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais getting down shrewdly to redirect Nicolas Tagliafico's close-range exertion from danger.
Over 13 minutes of stoppage time were played as Argentina frantically searched for a late leveler; however, the South Americans neglected to approach Italy's record for the longest-ever unbeaten global streak as their longshot rivals were overwhelmed with emotion at the last whistle.
The triumph was the ideal third for the Realm at a World Cup, following successes over Belgium and Morocco in the USA in 1994.
As of late, the competition has been inseparable from frustration, including a disheartening 8-0 whipping by Germany in 2002.
However, presently, the 51st-positioned side of the planet can anticipate a gathering with Poland on Saturday, accepting that the sky is the limit.
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