Saudi Arabia declares public holiday Wednesday after Argentina’s World Cup win – NBC Chicago

Saudi fans, rejoice.

Following the Green Falcons’ colossal 2-1 loss to Lionel Messi and Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Tuesday, King Salman ordered a public holiday for the nation on Wednesday.

Employees in Saudi Arabia working in the public and private sectors and students from all stages of education will enjoy the day thanks to two goals from Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari.

Messi and Co. took the lead in the 10th minute through a penalty, and could have added the lead if not for several offside goals which were well defended by the Saudi top line.

The momentum was completely reversed in the second half with Alshehri’s tight finish into the bottom right corner in the 48th minute, which was followed by a hard-hitting shot from Aldawsari five minutes later.

Argentina entered the tournament as heavy favorites to win the World Cup title, but their momentum – and a 36-game unbeaten streak – came to an abrupt halt at the hands of Saudi Arabia.

The Green Falcons will take on Poland in their second match of Group C on Saturday, November 26 at 8 a.m. ET, 5 a.m. PT at Education City Stadium in Ar-Rayyan, Qatar.