Great joy prevailed and congratulations began on Tuesday for the historic victory of the Saudi football team (Al-Akhdar) over its Argentine counterpart (Tango), led by its legendary player Lionel Messi, in the World Cup in Qatar.
In one of the biggest surprises in the history of the tournament since 1930, Saudi Arabia beat Argentina with two goals to one at Lusail Stadium in the first round of Group C competitions.
Saudi media, including Al-Ekhbariya and Al-Arabiya channels and the websites of Okaz and Al-Riyadh newspapers, carried pictures and clips of the joy of the fans, whether inside the Kingdom or who supported the national team in the stadium.
Al-Ekhbariya quoted a picture showing the Crown Prince, Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, exchanging arms with his companions, rejoicing at the victory over the ancient Argentine national team, one of the candidates to win the championship.
- Advertisement -
The official Qatar News Agency, Qena, carried pictures of Saudi fans raising their country’s flag.
And the Saudi Minister of Sports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, tweeted: “Praise be to God, a thousand thousand congratulations, heroes. Congratulations to the homeland and leadership, an outstanding performance and a historic victory.”
As Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Abdul Latif Al Al-Sheikh said, via “Twitter”: “Praise be to God, Lord of the worlds, and thanks be to Him. I extend the most sincere and most beautiful congratulations to our leaders and the great Saudi people on the occasion of the victory of the national team.”
Saudi preacher Ayed Al-Qarni tweeted, “An inspiring leader, a wonderful team, and a great people, blessed for our homeland.”
The Saudi ambassador to Yemen, Muhammad Al Jaber, commented on Twitter, saying: “May your glory last, O homeland.” The Kingdom’s ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Bukhari, tweeted: “Congratulations to Al-Akhdar.”
While the head of the Saudi Entertainment Authority, Turki Al-Sheikh, announced on Twitter, entering famous entertainment areas in the capital, Riyadh, on Tuesday, “for free,” on the occasion of the victory of “Al-Akhdar.”
The joy was not limited to Saudi Arabia, as the streets and gatherings following the match in Egypt, Kuwait and the Gaza Strip witnessed great joy at the victory of “Al-Akhdar”, according to pictures and video clips broadcast by the media.
UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid tweeted, “A well-deserved victory, combative performance, and Arab joy. Congratulations to the Saudi national team, which made us happy, entertained, and pleased.”
While the Emirati Foreign Minister, Abdullah bin Zayed, tweeted: “Congratulations to the brothers.”
Jordan’s Crown Prince, Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, congratulated him on his “Instagram” account, saying: “Congratulations to the Saudi green, the great victory.”
The Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Muhammad al-Halbousi, tweeted, “Congratulations to the brotherly Saudi team for this victory and distinguished performance.”
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said: “Congratulations to the brotherly Saudi people for winning (…) and all appreciation for the wise leadership that sponsors the Kingdom and provides the young generation with the potential for leadership, progress and success.”
The diplomatic advisor to the King of Bahrain, Khalid bin Ahmed, also tweeted, saying: “You made us happy, O Green.”
The head of the political bureau of the Palestinian “Hamas” movement, Ismail Haniyeh, congratulated Saudi Arabia, “the king, government and people, on its great victory over the Argentine national team,” according to a statement by the movement.
Arab artists were keen to congratulate Saudi Arabia, through their accounts on communication platforms, including Amr Diab, Ahlam, Tamer Hosni, Elisa, Asala, Fahd Al-Kubaisi, Muhammad Heneidy, Mustafa Shaaban and Youssef Al-Sharif.
With the historic victory over Argentina, Saudi Arabia topped the Group C standings with 3 points, pending the outcome of the Mexico-Poland match later on Tuesday evening.
