After Saudi Arabia’s seismic defeat against Argentina and Tunisia’s harrowing draw against Denmark, Arab fans say the sky is the limit.
It was a jubilant day for the Arab teams competing in World Cupthe first edition ever held in the Middle East.
Earlier on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia shocked the world with a 2-1 win over the Argentina national team led by Lionel Messi at Lusail Stadium.
Before the historic defeat, the Saudis had only won before three World Cup matches.
Hours after Education City StadiumTunisia earns a tough fight painting against Denmark, in a goalless game with few clear chances.
The atmosphere inside the stadium – where it is almost impossible to see a single Danish fan amidst the sea of Tunisians in red and white uniforms – is electricity.
Throughout the match, the Tunisians sang, danced and shouted at Mexican referee Cesar Arturo Ramos, protesting against side decisions that went against their team. They cheered and clapped their hands every time their players touched the ball.
For supporters of Saudi Arabia and Tunisia, watching their teams’ inspirational performances on Arab soil is an exhilarating experience.
“Unbelievable day. All Arabs are happy. Proud Arab Day. First, Saudi Arabia showed the world that we can go against the best and win. And now we [Tunisia]we showed, we can play against one of the best teams in the world and not lose or be scared,” Zohra Dachraoui, a Tunisian fan, told Al Jazeera shortly after watching the match.
Before that, Lionel Messi – who won the Ballon d’Or 7 times – was unable to help Argentina being stopped by the inspired Saudi players during the match.
Messi was visibly frustrated walking around the pitch after the final whistle as the Saudi benches ran out onto the pitch to celebrate the historic win.
Messi, Argentina’s captain and talisman, opened the scoring from the penalty spot early in the first half. Since then, many people have expected Argentina to go to victory.
But the early defeat inspired a powerful comeback from Saudi Arabia, who scored two quick goals in the second half and held out against some late Argentina pressure.
“Football is a very good and unexpected game. We, the Arabs, were supposed to lose both games. No one believed that we could achieve these results. But look, who’s celebrating? Arabs,” Ayoub Gherbi, Algerian who went to the Education City Stadium to support Tunisia, told Al Jazeera.
“Tunisia is the better team against a team that everyone in the world says is one of the favorites. They played really well and God willing will continue to bring more joy to Arabs everywhere,” Gherbi said as he joined a group of Tunisian fans who were chanting in the stands long after. when the final whistle blew.
After today’s inspiring performances, some Saudi fans are optimistic about their team’s chances of progressing in the 32-team football tournament.
“We can go far. How far? I say the sky is the limit. we [Arabs] playing at home. Each Arab team will have a strong support. This will give every Arab team a huge boost,” said Moez Babboucha, a Tunisian.
