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FIFA World Cup: Saudi Arabia king declares public holiday to celebrate beating Argentina

Saudi Arabia king Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has declared Wednesday a public holiday in the Arab nation in honour of the national team’s victory over World Cup favourites Argentina.

King Salman

According to state agency SPA, King Salman directed a holiday for all employees, expats and students following the kingdom’s national team winning their World Cup opener in Qatar. The public holiday will not apply to health workers, armed forces and police, banking sector and sub-contracted employees.

The Green Falcons beat global football giants Argentina in arguably the biggest upset in recent World Cup history winning 2-1. The victory also ended Argentina’s commanding 36-match unbeaten run.

Saudi Arabia’s Salem al-Dawsari scored a stunner to complete unlikely Saudi Arabia come-back over Argentina after a difficult spell in the first half.

Minutes earlier, Saleh al-Shehri levelled matters for Saudi Arabia. Argentina star Lionel Messi scored a penalty in the first half when Leandro Parede was fouled inside the box in the first half.

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The South American side scored a further three first half goals, which were disallowed after offside calls.

Argentina fought throughout the rest of the second half but failed to claw back victory, largely due to a strong performance from Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed al-Owais.

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