A wager from down under took a brutal blow at the World Cup, dropping a hefty $160,000 AUD on Argentina’s unexpected defeat by Saudi Arabia.
The match’s outcome was already upsetting for Argentina supporters globally, but for this specific Australian bettor, it was a complete catastrophe. He put down a massive gamble on Argentina to effortlessly dominate their Middle Eastern rivals, only to witness his bet – and $160,000 AUD (approximately $106,000 USD) – disappear into nothing.
The unnamed gambler wagered the significant amount on an Argentina victory, as per Australian bookmaker TAB. A win for Argentina would have earned him a tidy $20,800 AUD profit. Before the events at Lusail Iconic Stadium transpired, it appeared a sure bet to many.
Argentina, viewed as one of the tournament favorites, began the match powerfully. Lionel Messi sank a penalty kick just 10 minutes into the game, and Argentina even had three goals disallowed for offside in the first half. At the halfway point, it seemed the South American team had the game secured.
Saudi Arabia, ranked 51st globally, needed a miracle to salvage anything from this match against a true football powerhouse.
However, divine intervention or not, the Green Falcons came out swinging in the second half, resolute in avoiding humiliation on the world’s biggest stage.
Saleh Al-Shehri evened the score for Saudi Arabia soon after the restart, and then Salem Al-Dawsari scored a breathtaking goal, bending the ball into the top corner to give his team an astonishing advantage.
Although featuring a roster packed with talent and spearheaded by Messi, Argentina found it difficult to penetrate Saudi Arabia’s unexpectedly steadfast defensive line. The stunning defeat not only left a specific supporter, who allegedly bet a massive $160,000 AUD on an Argentina win, in shock, but also sent ripples of astonishment through the vast numbers of Argentinian enthusiasts globally and the squad itself.
Ultimately, it served as a reminder that even in soccer, as the iconic country musician Kenny Rogers crooned, you need to understand when to stick with your hand and when to concede.
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