World Cup live updates: Defending champion France leads Australia; Mexico battles to draw with Poland
Want more soccer? The World Cup has got it — more than 100 minutes of stoppage time soccer, actually.
Lionel Messi’s chase for his first World Cup trophy started with a stunning defeat to Saudi Arabia, which makes things interesting in Group C. Mexico held off Poland thanks to the heroics of veteran keeper Guillermo Ochoa in a scoreless draw. The reigning champion France battles Australia to wrap Day 3 of the World Cup group stages.
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Arnold said Monday, referring to the media platform that broadcasts A-League soccer.
The response drew plenty of laughter.
Arnold said his players should soak up the occasion at Al Janoub Stadium.
“These kids have a lot of talent and I know their mentality,” the 59-year-old Australian said. “They don’t step back from anybody. They look forward and go forward.”
— Associated Press
Saudi Arabia declares national holiday after upsetting Argentina
Saudi Arabia was an 18-1 underdog against Argentina when they beat Lionel Messi and company 2-1 in their World Cup opener. The victory snapped Argentina’s 36-game winning streak in what is reportedly the biggest upset in World Cup history.
To celebrate, King Salman declared Wednesday a national holiday in Saudi Arabia. All offices, public or private, will be closed for work. Schools will be closed as well.
Fans miss Chicharito after Mexico’s draw with Poland
Javier Hernandez’ nickname, Chicharito, was trending on Twitter after Mexico ended its opening World Cup game with a draw against Poland. The 34-year-old striker is El Tri’s leading scorer and was left off the team after scoring 18 goals for the MLS’ Los Angeles Galaxy thi. He appeared in the 2010, 2014 and 2018 World Cup tournaments.
Full time: Mexico 0, Poland 0
Hours after Group C favorite Argentina suffered a stunning upset at the hands of Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland fought out a goalless draw at Stadium 974 in Doha, putting both teams on one point after the first round of games.
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa saved Robert Lewandowski’s penalty kick in the 58th minute, which was awarded to Poland after a video review.
This Saturday, Mexico faces Lionel Messi and Argentina, looking to rebound from their flop in the opener. Poland meets group-leader Saudi Arabia.
Group C standings:
- Saudi Arabia, 3 points, +1 GD
- Mexico, 1 point, 0 GD
- Poland, 1 point, 0 GD
- Argentina, 0 points, -1 GD
Penalty save! Robert Lewandowski denied by Guillermo Ochoa
After VAR awarded a Poland a penalty kick, Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa stopped Robert Lewandowski’s shot from the spot in the 58th minute.
The 37-year-old Ochoa is one of the oldest players in the tournament and has played hero in goal for Mexico in past World Cups.
Lewandowski is one of the most prolific scorers in soccer history, but the Barcelona man couldn’t find the back of the net after being held scoreless at the 2018 World Cup.
Halftime: Mexico 0, Poland 0
It was one way traffic in the first half with Mexico dominating possession (63%) and El Tri took five shots in the first half to Poland’s one attempt on goal.
Mexico came close to opening the scoring on several occasions.
Mexico, Poland ready for kickoff at new stadium
DOHA — Still lot of empty seats at 974 Stadium but of those folks who are here, almost every single one of them is in a green jersey. Mariachi music is playing on the PA, the Mexican fans are singing and waving flags and, in true El Tri form, they loudly booed every Poland starter as he was introduced. This stadium is really freaking cool. it’s made of shipping containers!
– Nancy Armour, USA TODAY Sports
Raul Jimenez left out of Mexico starting lineup
A controversial selection for Mexico, Raul Jimenez will begin his World Cup journey on the bench against Poland. El Tri coach Tata Martino took some heat when he selected the 31-year-old striker to his squad. Jimenez has not played a game for his club team Wolverhampton Wanders since August due to a groin injury.
Instead of Jimenez, Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, Henry Martin and Alexis Vega will start up front.
Get to know the rest of Mexico’s team with USA TODAY Sports+ Meet the Team.
offside rule has been a source of innumerable controversial calls in soccer, in large part because they were left completely to the whims of human error.
FIFA only began allowing World Cup officials the ability to review video replays to confirm calls in 2018. This year it rolled out a new semi-automated, offside technology to enhance its Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
2-1 loss against underdog Saudi Arabia. It is a major blow for Messi’s hopes of winning his first World Cup.
Messi’s quest to win the one major title to elude him got off to a shocking start and brought back memories of Cameroon’s 1-0 win over an Argentina team led by Diego Maradona in the opening game of the 1990 World Cup.
Goals by Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari in a five-minute span in the second half gave the Saudis their greatest win.
This also rivals shocking results such as Senegal beating then-titleholder France 1-0 in the 2002 tournament opener and the United States stunning England by the same score in 1950. — Associated Press
what this year’s World Cup might mean for the legacies of two of the most decorated players in the game’s history.
Saudi Arabia scores twice early in second half
The Saudi defense has been the MVP of this match. Playing a high-line to keep Argentina offside in the first half, the aggressive nature won Saudi Arabia a ball at midfield which led to the equalizer from Saleh Al Shehri.
offside rule has been a source of innumerable controversial calls in soccer, in large part because they were left completely to the whims of human error.”Make the Save.”
Greatest players to never win a World Cup: Where does Lionel Messi rank?
Argentina’s Lionel Messi has dominated the game of soccer over the past decade-plus. He has amassed an impressive résumé of career individual and team accomplishments. Yet, one prize — the grandest of them all — has eluded him.
Messi is not alone. Many of the greatest players in the history of the game didn’t win a World Cup.
Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia — 5 a.m.
Lionel Messi might be the best player in the world, but he hasn’t won a World Cup. Not yet, at least. His next, and maybe final, chance starts Tuesday.
Time: Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 5 a.m. ET
Stadium: Lusail Stadium
How to watch: FOX and Telemundo or stream on fuboTV and Peacock (Spanish)
Denmark vs. Tunisia — 8 a.m.
Time: Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 8 a.m. ET
Stadium: Education City Stadium
How to watch: FOX and Telemundo or stream on fuboTV and Peacock (Spanish)
Mexico vs. Poland — 11 a.m.
Time: Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 11 a.m. ET
Stadium: Stadium 974
How to watch: FOX and Telemundo or stream on fuboTV and Peacock (Spanish)
France vs. Australia — 2 p.m.
Time: Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. ET
Stadium: Al Janoub Stadium
How to watch: FOX and Telemundo or stream on fuboTV and Peacock (Spanish)