By
Fawaz Adebisi
Yesterday, Tuesday, November 22, 2022, would be etched in the history books of football as it was pretty wild for fans, clubs, and national teams.
22-11-22 might have kicked off as a normal day but it didn’t end up the same way, atleast not in footballing circles.
A series of outstanding events occurred which would make this day one of the most memorable day in football history.
The day opened up with the most surprising defeat of the just begun 2022 FIFA World Cup, as underdogs, Saudi Arabia shocked the world but more importantly, South American giants, Argentina to win their opening campaign at the mundial.
The Messi-inspired side had entered the World Cup as one of the favourites to win the trophy, as their first game against the Islamic nation had been written off as a walkover, but nothing prepared anyone for the eventual shock that was witnessed, as Saudi Arabia carried the day.
Not even Messi’s lone goal could save the two-time world champions from an embarrassing outing in their opening campaign.
Events that happened yesterday was shocking to the fans as the unexpected happened.
Also yesterday, to the surprise of fans, for the first time, Guillermo Ochoa saved Robert Lewandowski’s penalty in the 58th minute, to help Mexico take a point from their World Cup opener against Poland.
Ochoa’s efforts therefore earned him the man of the match award, after which he thanked the Mexican fans, who were out in big numbers at Stadium 974.
In a most shocking development to Manchester United fans, the club also announced the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo, citing mutual agreement between the them and the player to part ways.
Hours after Ronaldo’s exit, Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer, the owners of the club, put Manchester United out for sale.
According to the owners, “The process is designed to enhance the club’s future growth, with the ultimate goal of positioning the club to capitalize on opportunities both on the pitch and commercially.
“As part of this process, the Board will consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the Company.”
In another interesting development, Oliver Giroud became France’s joint all-time top goal scorer when his double helped the holders start the defence of their World Cup title in style.
France, who lost defender Lucas Hernandez to a knee injury, have three points and lead Tunisia and Denmark by two did it with a 4-1 comeback Group D win against Australia on Tuesday.
Giroud found the net before and after the break to take his tally to 51 goals, matching Thierry Henry’s mark.
If anything, yesterday would go down in history as arguable the most bizzare day for the world of football.
