Denmark vs Tunisia LIVE: World Cup 2022 result, final score and reaction as Eriksen frustrated in return

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:

Denmark vs Tunisia latest updates

Denmark take on Tunisia in the opening game of Group D at the Qatar World Cup

70’ – POST! Cornelius inexplicably hits the woodwork with a close-range header (DEN 0-0 TUN)

55’ – OFFSIDE! Skov Olsen has goal disallowed (DEN 0-0 TUN)

43’ – GREAT SAVE! Denmark keeper Schmeichel denies Jebali (DEN 0-0 TUN)

23’ – OFFSIDE! Slimane scores for Tunisia but ruled out for offside (DEN 0-0 TUN)

Christian Eriksen returns to the World Cup for the first time since his cardiac arrest

Earlier, Saudi Arabia beat Argentina in one of the all-time World Cup shocks

Denmark 0 – 0 Tunisia

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

14:45 , Kieran Jackson

82 mins: Mejbri straight into the action… he flies in to win the ball just by the touchline inside the box, and does catch Jensen…

No penalty says the referee though, who believes the ball already went out of play.

Story continues

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

14:41 , Kieran Jackson

80 mins: Double sub for Tunisia – with Man Utd’s Hannibal Mejbri among those coming on.

So Msakni and Jebali OFF, Mejbri and Khenissi ON.

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

14:39 , Kieran Jackson

78 mins: Jensen now in the book for a late challenge on Tunisia sub Naïm Sliti.

A booking a tad harsh, I think…

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

14:38 , Kieran Jackson

75 mins: Denmark’s Mathias Jensen has a snap shot on the edge of the box… but the Brenford man harmlessly pulls it wide!

15 to go – will we have a winner here?!

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

14:33 , Kieran Jackson

71 mins: Big penalty shout for Tunisia!

Andersen’s arm is out as the ball hits it from a ricochet – no penalty given by the Mexican referee though!

Andersen is right next to the Tunisian player… but no penalty and no VAR check!

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

14:32 , Kieran Jackson

70 mins: How have Denmark not scored?!

From Eriksen’s corner, Christensen wins the header at the back post and it hits the post – with Cornelius somehow not getting a clear connection on the ball!

Surely he has to score, what a miss by the subtitute!

(Getty Images)

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

14:31 , Kieran Jackson

69 mins: Great save from Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen!

Christian Eriksen is the man denied! His left foot shot from outside the box is tipped wide by Dahmen, who did really well to tip it wide having gone down early!

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

14:28 , Kieran Jackson

67 mins: Slimane comes OFF for Tunisia, with Sliti replacing him.

Tempo of the game has gone down a notch here… will we get a late winner?

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

14:26 , Kieran Jackson

64 mins: Denmark making a triple-change here!

Simon Kjaer is off, passing the captain’s armband to Christian Eriksen.

Jensen, Cornelius and Lindstrom ON; Dolberg and Skov Olsen the other men OFF.

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

14:22 , Kieran Jackson

60 mins: Denmark have livened up suddenly.

Skov Olsen looks to be the man who makes things happen – his cross is only just headed behind by a Tunisia defender.

Denmark can’t win the first ball at the corner though…

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

14:17 , Kieran Jackson

55 mins: Andreas Skov Olsen thinks he’s given Denmark the lead as he strikes home… but there’s an offside earlier in the build-up! It is clear, in fairness.

A let-off for Tunisia!

(Getty Images)

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

14:14 , Kieran Jackson

53 mins: Denmark can’t clear their lines at the moment!

Two corners in a row have led to Tunisia shots deflected behind… can the Africans find a way through?

The third corner of the bunch is poor, not beating the first man.

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

14:12 , Kieran Jackson

51 mins: Aïssa Laïdouni has been the star man so far! He breaks terrifically through on goal after a one-two but he just runs out of steam as he attempts to play it across for a team-mate!

Tunisia again threatening….

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

14:11 , Kieran Jackson

50 mins: Tunisia have started this half how they left off – their intensity remains high while Denmark struggle to fashion a clear opening!

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

14:07 , Kieran Jackson

SECOND-HALF: No changes at the break – we’re back underway at the Education City Stadium!

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia:

14:07 , Kieran Jackson

The Saudis just can’t resist!

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

13:52 , Kieran Jackson

HALF-TIME: All-square at the break at the Education City Stadium – and Tunisia will be the happier of the two teams!

Denmark haven’t quite clicked so far and they can thank Kasper Schmeichel for not being behind after that terrific save late on in the half.

Work to do for last year’s European Championships semi-finalists!

(Getty Images)

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

13:51 , Kieran Jackson

45+4 mins: Great ball in by Eriksen but it’s an equally great header awayy by Tunisia’s Yassine Meriah.

And that should be that…

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

13:49 , Kieran Jackson

45+3 mins: Hojbjerg does well to win a foul just outside the box to the right.

Final chance for Denmark before the break…

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

13:47 , Kieran Jackson

45 mins: Denmark going to be forced into a substitution here!

Thomas Delaney has gone down in the centre of the pitch with an injury he sustained in a tackle…

He’s been replaced by Mikkel Damsgaard.

Here’s a rarity too – a normal amount of added time! Four minutes at the end of the first-half – and even that’s a lot for a first-half!

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

13:45 , Kieran Jackson

43 mins: What a save from Kasper Schmeichel!

Issam Jebali is played through – the Tunisia striker chips the Denmark keeper but the ex-Leicester man somehow gets a right-hand to the ball, tipping it wide!

(AFP via Getty Images)

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

13:43 , Kieran Jackson

42 mins: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg looks to beat Laidouni with a flip-flap before going over in the box… he wants a penalty but not enough in it for the referee.

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

13:40 , Kieran Jackson

39 mins: The ball breaks to Tunisia’s Aïssa Laïdouni in the box from a corner but he can’t find the target – but boy did he get some power behind that shot!

Just over five to go until half-time… still level here.

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

13:35 , Kieran Jackson

34 mins: Ambitious effort from Hojbjerg from range – straight at the Tunisia keeper Aymen Dahmen who holds on comfortably.

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

13:33 , Kieran Jackson

31 mins: Pinpoint floated ball over the Tunisian defence by Kjaer – Olsen gets on the end of it but Tunisia’s Ali Abdi gets a foot in.

Tunisia eventually clear their lines from the corner…

(AFP via Getty Images)

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

13:29 , Kieran Jackson

27 mins: Wicked ball in from the left is inviting for Denmark striker Andreas Skov Olsen.. but the Club Brugge man can’t quite get there in time!

Denmark have found their feet in this game.

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

13:26 , Kieran Jackson

25 mins: Denmark’s Rasmus Kristensen in the book for a late tackle – bit harsh that.

The referee today, incidentally, is César Arturo Ramos Palazuelos from Mexico.

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

13:25 , Kieran Jackson

25 mins: Anis Ben Slimane gets in behind for Tunisia and scores… but it’s offside!

Replays show he was clearly offside. Just put your flag up earlier when it’s that clear please linesman…

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

13:24 , Kieran Jackson

23 mins: The ball breaks to Danish defender Joachim Andersen, but his shot is comfortably straight at the Tunisian goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen.

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

13:23 , Kieran Jackson

22 mins: Terrific ball in by Christian Eriksen… but no Danish player can get on the end of it!

The playmaker will now have a go from a corner…

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

13:22 , Kieran Jackson

20 mins: Surging run down the left by Denmark’s Joakim Mæhle, who digs out a cross that is headed behind by Tunisia with Dolberg lurking.

Tunisia clear originally but Denmark now have a free-kick out wide…

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

13:17 , Kieran Jackson

16 mins: No chances of note but Tunisia still on top here – and still playing at a very high intensity!

Will it last though? Can it last?

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

13:13 , Kieran Jackson

11 mins: Oh so close for Tunisia!

Mohamed Dräger shoots from range and it takes a wicked deflection off Andreas Christensen… but it sails just wide!

Kasper Schmeichel was rooted to the floor – he was well beaten!

(AFP via Getty Images)

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

13:11 , Kieran Jackson

10 mins: Tunisia on top early on here!

The Africans are playing at a quicker intensity than the Danes, who are just taking their time to feel their way into this game but are nonetheless struggling to maintain possession.

Denmark vs Tunisia

13:06 , Kieran Jackson

5 mins: Much like Saudi Arabia earlier, Tunisia are trying their best to press high here with their defensive line pretty high too.

They’re setting a rapid pace early on here are the Arab side, who have the majority of the support inside the stadium!

Denmark vs Tunisia

13:04 , Kieran Jackson

3 mins: Ex-Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen takes a blow to the face as he blocks a goal-bound shot – brief pause but he’s all OK to continue..

Denmark controlling possession early on…

Denmark 0-0 Tunisia

13:03 , Kieran Jackson

2 mins: Bright start for Denmark who move quickly forward and win an early corner…

Christian Eriksen over it, but it’s headed clear by the Tunisian defence, and the Manchester United midfielder is then cleaned out by Tunisia’s Aïssa Laïdouni – who celebrates the tackle like he’s scored!

Could be another fesity one!

Denmark vs Tunisia

13:00 , Kieran Jackson

KICK-OFF! We’re underway with our second game of the day!

Denmark in their traditional dark red strip, with Tunisia in white.

Denmark vs Tunisia

12:58 , Kieran Jackson

A reminder of the teams at the Education City Stadium this afternoon!

Denmark XI: Schmeichel; Andersen, Kjaer, Christensen, Kristensen, Maehle; Hojbjerg, Delaney, Eriksen; Olsen, Dolberg.

Tunisia XI: Dahmen, Abdi, Talbi, Meriah, Bronn, Draeger, Laidouni, Skhiri, Slimane, Msakni, Jembali

Denmark vs Tunisia

12:55 , Kieran Jackson

The teams are out at the Education City Stadium – time now for the national anthems! Denmark’s first…

(Getty Images)

Denmark vs Tunisia

12:52 , Kieran Jackson

Christian Eriksen in the starting XI less than 18 months since he suffered a cardiac arrest in Denmark’s opening game of Euro 2020.

A great sight for all involved to see the Manchester United midfielder on the pitch in Qatar!

(Getty Images)

Denmark vs Tunisia – TEAM NEWS

12:49 , Kieran Jackson

Denmark XI: Schmeichel; Andersen, Kjaer, Christensen, Kristensen, Maehle; Hojbjerg, Delaney, Eriksen; Olsen, Dolberg.

Tunisia XI: Dahmen, Abdi, Talbi, Meriah, Bronn, Draeger, Laidouni, Skhiri, Slimane, Msakni, Jembali

Denmark vs Tunisia…

12:48 , Kieran Jackson

Now we turn our attention to the second game today – a clash between Group D between Denmark and Tunisia at the Education City Stadium!

Team news coming up!

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia match report:

12:36 , Kieran Jackson

Miguel Delaney, at the Lusail Iconic Stadium:

A moment of authenticity in this tournament, yet one that seemed to defy reality.

This World Cup has had its first classic shock, and maybe one of its biggest of all. An utterly stunned Argentina lost for the first time in 36 games, to an admirably adventurous Saudi Arabia, driven on by a raucous atmosphere. Manager Herve Renard pulled off another incredible feat.

The fact they came from behind to win 2-1 only emphasised their spirit and resolve, and showed how even the most problematic World Cup is still driven by human sporting qualities. That is what Qatar are trying to buy.

A further irony is that is what their complicated political rivals in Saudi Arabia will now use. What a venue for their greatest ever World Cup victory, in the host’s prize stadium, not long after the Gulf blockade was lifted.And yet whatever about how the state will use this, this was the classically sporting story of footballers rising to greater levels, driven on by fans.

Saudi Arabia defy reality to stun Argentina with enormous World Cup shock

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia player ratings:

12:27 , Kieran Jackson

Argentina suffered one of the greatest World Cup shocks of all time as they went down 2-1 to underdogs Saudi Arabia in Qatar.

The South American side were one of the pre-tournament favourites but endured the worst possible start to Lionel Messi’s quest to finally get a World Cup winners medal with a stunning loss.

Messi scored from the penalty spot early on but Saleh Al-Shehri squeezed in a low shot in the 48th minute while Salem Al-Dawsari curled in a scorching strike from the edge of the penalty area in the 53rd minute to leave Argentina looking utterly shell-shocked

Despite plenty of possession after that, Argentina were unable to find the all-important equaliser as they slipped to a stunning loss.

Here are how the Argentina players rated in their Group C opener:

Argentina vs Saudi Arabia player ratings: Lionel Messi struggles in stunning loss

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

12:22 , Kieran Jackson

Joe Cole:

“Mexico is now massive. For Scaloni, a young and inexperienced manager, went on a run… this is a huge test now. He’s got to lift that group of players and find a way to get them back. It’s a big ask for him.”

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

12:18 , Kieran Jackson

Roy Keane:

“They had something to hold on. Argentina didn’t show the quality – the decision-making! Fantastic from Saudi Arabia! They got the bodies back, they were strong and got a bit of luck!”

Joe Cole:

“I thought ‘what are they thinking with that high line’. Messi never got on the ball, one of the most quiet games I’ve seen him play!”

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

12:12 , Kieran Jackson

Graeme Souness, speaking on ITV:

“I am gobsmacked. I’ve never seen an Argentina team not turn up for the fight – they were wishy-washy today. I thought Argentina had another gear, they didn’t have another gear!

“If that’s their quality, England have nothing to fear if they face them in this competition. Argentina didn’t match them. They got intimidated today by Saudi Arabia! They got rolled over by a very enthusiastic and aggressive Saudi Arabia! I am so disappointed in Argentina!”

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

12:10 , Kieran Jackson

The Saudi squad run over to celebrate in front of their adoring fans – what a special moment for Saudi Arabia and this World Cup!

Humilation for Lionel Messi and Argentina…

(AFP via Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

12:08 , Kieran Jackson

FULL-TIME!

Can you believe it?! Saudi Arabia – the 53rd ranked team – have beaten Argentina at the World Cup!

It’s Argentina’s first loss in three years! But it’s jubilation for Saudi Arabia! The players fall to the ground – the subs run onto the pitch!

An all-time World Cup shock!

(Getty Images)

(AFP via Getty Images)

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

12:04 , Kieran Jackson

90+10 mins: Di Maria crosses in and Alvarez heads towards goal… but it’s saved again by Alowais!

Saudi Arabia are nearly there…

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

12:03 , Kieran Jackson

90+10 mins: Alvarez wins a corner for Argentina…

Last chance saloon now..

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

12:02 , Kieran Jackson

90+9 mins: Yasser Alshahrani is on a stretcher – he looks OK, though will be substituted!

Mohammed Alburayk will take his place. Got about three minutes left of playing time I reckon…

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

11:59 , Kieran Jackson

90+5 mins: A Saudi player is down here in the box – Alowais comes out to punch the ball and knees the Saudi player in the face!

No time wasting here. The keeper is distraught. It looks very serious here…

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

11:56 , Kieran Jackson

90+2 mins: Saudi clear the ball off the line!

Alowais can only palm the cross to Alvarez, whose effort is headed off the line from Alamri!

High-fives all round! Saudi keeper Alowais booked as he complains he should have had a free-kick!

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

11:55 , Kieran Jackson

90+1 mins: Messi’s free-kick is tame and headed clear… and is wildly celebrarted by Saudi Arabia!

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

11:53 , Kieran Jackson

90 mins: Great run by Angel Di Maria – and he’s upended on the right-hand side, 10 yards outside the box.

Likely to be Messi to whip it in…

It’s eight minutes of added time too!

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

11:52 , Kieran Jackson

88 mins: Di Maria whips in a cross with the outside of his foot, but it’s another brilliant interception!

Saudi are now making two substitutes, including one of the subs coming off!

Nawaf Alabid is that man – and he’s been booked for taking his time coming off the pitch!

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

11:50 , Kieran Jackson

86 mins: Saudi’s Feras Albrikan now down injured, with the referee making it obvious that he’s adding on the time…

Still, Argentina are desperate now! Saudi so close to a HUGE RESULT!

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

11:48 , Kieran Jackson

84 mins: Another chance comes and goes for Argentina!

Di Maria whips in a cross and Messi is at the back post – but his header is straight at Saudi keeper Alowais!

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

11:46 , Kieran Jackson

82 mins: Saud Abdulhamid in the book for a rough challenge – no complaints on that one.

Saudi’s fourth yellow card. Not ideal, yet their fouls are breaking up the play and not allowing Argentina to get any momentum at all!

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

11:44 , Kieran Jackson

80 mins: After a build-up of over a minutes, Messi shoots comfortably over the crossbar!

Not his day so far, nor Argentina’s.

Saudi Arabia are 10 minutes away from one of the all-time World Cup shocks here.

(Getty Images)

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

11:42 , Kieran Jackson

79 mins: Messi wins a dubious free-kick five yards outside the box, centre of the pitch. Fortunate to win the decision there… Salem Aldawsari booked for his protests.

Messi time…

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

11:42 , Kieran Jackson

78 mins: Change for Saudi – goalscorer Alshehri OFF, Al-Ghannam ON.

Defender on for an attacker. Mind you, Alshehri not happy about it!

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

11:40 , Kieran Jackson

76 mins: Acuna whips in the corner but Enzo Fernández can only head it over and into the stands!

88,012 in the Lusail Iconic Stadium today! And boy can we hear them all, particularly the Saudi fans right now!

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

11:39 , Kieran Jackson

75 mins: Booking for Saudi defender Ali Albulayhi for time-wasting.

Who can blame him? 15 minutes to hold on…

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

11:37 , Kieran Jackson

73 mins: Di Maria has a pop on his right foot from a narrow angle – but it’s straight at Alowais!

Argentina pressing and probing frantically now… can they find an equaliser?

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

11:34 , Kieran Jackson

71 mins: Another sub for Argentina: left-back Tagliafico comes off, Acuna comes on.

Lionel Scaloni has one sub left…

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

11:33 , Kieran Jackson

70 mins: Saudi’s defensive line is still very high… but Argentina can’t get the right weight on their passes through!

Lautaro Martinez, this time, heads wide from a Messi corner. Messi, incidentally, looking somewhat shellshocked.

Argentina have 20 minutes to turn it around here!

(Getty Images)

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

11:31 , Kieran Jackson

66 mins: Julian Alvarez does well to dig out a cross from Messi’s wayward ball but the keeper claims comfortably!

He’s had quite the game so far has Mohammed Alowais!

Saudi still looking more energetic than Argentina… Abdulelah Almalki does receive a booking though for a late challenge on Cristian Romero.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

11:28 , Kieran Jackson

63 mins: What a save from Mohammed Alowais!

Argentina win the second ball and, somehow, Lisandro Martinez’s poke towards goal is parried away by the Saudi goalkeeper!

Argentina have, finally, upped their tempo…

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

11:26 , Kieran Jackson

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…

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

11:23 , Kieran Jackson

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!

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

11:21 , Kieran Jackson

57 mins: What a tackle!

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!

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia (Salem Aldawsari, 53)

11:19 , Kieran Jackson

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…

Argentina 1-1 Saudi Arabia

11:16 , Kieran Jackson

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!

Argentina 1-1 Saudi Arabia (Saleh Alshehri, 48)

11:13 , Kieran Jackson

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)

Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia

11:11 , Kieran Jackson

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!

Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia

11:10 , Kieran Jackson

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?

Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia: Pundit quotes!

11:04 , Kieran Jackson

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.”

Roy Keane:

“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.”

Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia

10:53 , Kieran Jackson

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)

Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia

10:51 , Kieran Jackson

45+4 mins: Turns out Saudi captain Salman Al-Faraj is not fit to continue – he looks understandbly gutted as he trudges off, looks like an ankle/foot problem.

Nawaf Albaid takes his place. Salem Aldawsari takes over as captain…

Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia

10:50 , Kieran Jackson

45+2 mins: Di Maria is found beautifully in the box but the Juventus winger can only find Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais…

Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia

10:48 , Kieran Jackson

45 mins: Five minutes of added time at the end of the first-half here…

Rodrigo de Paul broke into the box and was looking for Messi – but it’s well intercepted!

Saudi Arabia will be satisfied if they can hold it to 1-0 at the break…

Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia

10:44 , Kieran Jackson

43 mins: Saudi head the ball out straight to Rodrigo de Paul on the edge of the box… but he completely miscues and skies his effort into the stands!

Good chance that!

Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia

10:43 , Kieran Jackson

42 mins: Gomez wins another free-kick for Argentina on the left-hand side, with Lionel Messi over the ball again…

Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia

10:40 , Kieran Jackson

38 mins: Break in play here (don’t worry it’ll be added on!) with Saudi captain Salman Al-Faraj down and receiving treatment.

He looks OK to carry on though…

Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia

10:37 , Kieran Jackson

35 mins: Martinez is played through again… sits down the keeper and scores into an empty net… but he’s offside again!

This one is clear-cut – unlike the thought process behind Saudi Arabia’s high line!

Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia

10:36 , Kieran Jackson

34 mins: Argentina are being quite careless with the ball here – a few misplaced passes just gifting possession back to Saudi Arabia!

Meanwhile, we’ve seen Martinez’s offside goal – and it seems it’s the top of his t-shirt which is offside!

Laughable really…

(Getty Images)

Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia

10:33 , Kieran Jackson

32 mins: Beside Argentina’s clear chances, Saudi Arabia are well in the game here. And they’re not scared of being physical either!

They’ve got a free-kick on the left-hand side… but it’s comfortably into the hands of Emiliano Martinez!

Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia

10:31 , Kieran Jackson

Oh hang on… it’s been disallowed for offside! As you were…

Very confusing – Martinez looked clearly onside! Lionel Messi was offside but did not go near the ball….

Perplexed.

Argentina 2-0 Saudi Arabia (Martinez, 28)

10:30 , Kieran Jackson

28 mins: Another goal for Argentina – and it’s Lautaro Martinez!

It’s a terrific finish from the Inter striker – he’s played through and cooly chips the ball over the Saudi keeper!

Breathing space for Argentina!

Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia

10:24 , Kieran Jackson

22 mins: Lionel Messi is in behind the Saudi defence… and scores… but the flag goes up!

He’s played superbly in behind and finishes comfortably into the corner… but the captain is offside – JUST!

Let-off for Saudi Arabia.

Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia

10:23 , Kieran Jackson

21 mins: Papu Gómez this time cuts inside from the left-hand side and shoots – but it’s harmlessly over the bar!

When Argentina do get in Saudi’s final-third, they look threatening straight away…

Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia

10:21 , Kieran Jackson

20 mins: Lautaro Martinez gets in behind and shoots over before the flag eventually goes up – the Argentina forward was clearly offside!

Terrific noise being generated by both sets of fans inside the stadium!

Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia

10:19 , Kieran Jackson

17 mins: First meaningful attack from Saudi Arabia with a threatening cross in the box… but the ball deflects nicely into the hands of Argentina keeper Emiliano Martinez.

Tell you what, when the Argentines have the ball, Saudi Arabia’s defensive line is very high! Risky…

Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia

10:17 , Kieran Jackson

15 mins: A good response from Saudi, who have had their fair share of the ball since the opening goal, but are struggling to make an impact in the final third.

Meanwhile – a picture of Messi’s celebrations after his first goal of this World Cup!

Fun fact: Messi failed to score at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa – the only World Cup he has played and failed to score in!

(Getty Images)

Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia (Messi pen, 10)

10:12 , Kieran Jackson

10 mins: Lionel Messi sends the keeper the wrong way – and Argentina lead!

The captain waits for Alowais to move to his left before sending the ball in the opposite direction!

A dream start for Argentina! VAR involved from the off too – a clear penalty… but where’s the consistency?

Argentina 0-0 Saudi Arabia

10:11 , Kieran Jackson

9 mins: PENALTY!

It’s Ali Albulayhi with the foul, with a pull on Argentina’s Leandro Paredes – it’s quite clear and it’s an early penalty! Similar to the one not given with Harry Maguire yesterday though…

Lionel Messi is over it…

Argentina 0-0 Saudi Arabia

10:09 , Kieran Jackson

8 mins: VAR involved before the free-kick is even taken!

It’s looking like a foul from the corner…

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent’s website