World Cup: Daily update from day 2 in Qatar
Denmark and Tunisia meet in Group D of the World Cup 2022 in Qatar today.
Last summer Denmark made a stirring run to the semi-finals of the Euros, somehow absorbing the shock of Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest in the group stage and going on to record one of their best performances at a major tournament. Now, at the Qatar World Cup almost 18 months later, Kasper Hjulmand’s team will look to replicate that remarkable effort.
First up for the Danes is a Group D clash with Tunisia, who will likely be vying with Denmark for the second-place spot in this pool. Elsewhere in the group, France are out to avoid the recent curse of defending champions exiting the next edition of the World Cup in the group stage, and their talented squad is expected to do that and qualify first here. With Australia not fancied to do much in Qatar, this game between Denmark and Tunisia could therefore be decisive in Group D.
The winner may just set themselves up to advance to the knockout stages at the other team’s expense, while a draw would make for an interesting dynamic in the group ahead of the next two matchdays.
Follow all the action with our live blog below, after the conclusion of Argentina vs Saudi Arabia.
Denmark vs Tunisia latest updates
Full live coverage following the conclusion of Argentina vs Saudi ArabiaDenmark take on Tunisia in the opening game of Group D at the Qatar World CupChristian Eriksen returns to the World Cup for the first time since his cardiac arrestDenmark are tipped as dark horses by many peopleShow latest update
1669116402
Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
62 mins: Di Maria’s cross is close to Lautaro Martinez’s head in the box but he can’t quite get there!
Argentina do have a corner though… Messi over it…
Kieran Jackson22 November 2022 11:26
1669116223
Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
59 mins: Triple sub for Argentina!
Fernandez, Alvarez, Martinez ON. Paredes, Gomez, Romero OFF.
Argentina need something and they need something fast…
It’s an unbelievable noise inside the Lusail Iconic Stadium – the Saudi fans are going mental!
Kieran Jackson22 November 2022 11:23
1669116090
Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
Lionel Messi looks set to score in the box but it’s a brilliant goal-saving tackle from Saudi’s Hassan Altambakti!
And he celebrates it like he’s scored!
Kieran Jackson22 November 2022 11:21
1669115947
Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia (Salem Aldawsari, 53)
53 mins: Oh my good god – Saudi Arabia lead against Argentina! And WHAT A GOAL!
Salem Aldawsari has scored a belter! Argentina block an initial shot, but then Aldawsari controls the ball beautifully, cuts in on his right-foot just inside the box and bends the ball brilliantly into the far top-corner!
Martinez gets a hand on it but to no avail! Joyous scenes on the Saudi bench!
Argentina have it all to do to avoid one of the all-time World Cup shocks…
Kieran Jackson22 November 2022 11:19
1669115812
Argentina 1-1 Saudi Arabia
50 mins: Argentina are all over the place here!
A miscued pass sees the space open up for Saleh Alshehri – but he is quickly shut down!
Kieran Jackson22 November 2022 11:16
1669115589
Argentina 1-1 Saudi Arabia (Saleh Alshehri, 48)
48 mins: Oh what a moment this is – Saudi Arabia equalise!
They win the ball in the middle of the park and then it’s all about Saudi striker Saleh Alshehri! He paces past Romero and then finishes brilliantly with his left foot into the corner beyond Martinez!
Jubilation in Lusail! Saudi are level against Argentina!
(AFP via Getty Images)
Kieran Jackson22 November 2022 11:13
1669115498
Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia
48 mins: Di Maria offside early on.
How about this for a stat: Argentina were caught offside seven times in the first half – more than any side in a match at the 2018 World Cup!
Kieran Jackson22 November 2022 11:11
1669115402
Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia
45 mins: We’re back underway with the second-half!
No changes at the break but Saudi of course had that substitution in the first-half…
Can the underdogs possibly find a goal in this second-half?
Kieran Jackson22 November 2022 11:10
1669115047
Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia: Pundit quotes!
Graeme Souness, speaking to ITV:
“They seem quite intent to not control the ball which is surprising agains a team like Saudi Arabia. You have to give some credit to Saudi with their physical approach to Argentina. I think Argentina have another gear to go.”
“Argentina really not quite at it. Saudi have done OK – when they do get set-pieces, the delivery has to be better. They’re in the game – but expect more from Argentina.”
Kieran Jackson22 November 2022 11:04
1669114439
Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia
HALF-TIME: Argentina lead at the break courtesy of that Lionel Messi penalty!
And while Argentina have had two goals ruled out – one dubiously for a perilously close offside – Saudi have held their own here and are still well in the game!
It’s not done for Argentina yet. One of the tournament favourites still have work to do…
(Getty Images)
Kieran Jackson22 November 2022 10:53