1992 King Fahd Cup Final: Argentina vs Saudi Arabia
The 1992 King Fahd Cup culminated in a historic showdown on October 20, 1992, as Argentina faced off against the host nation, Saudi Arabia. Held at the King Fahd II Stadium in Riyadh, this match was more than just a quest for a trophy; it represented a significant milestone for Asian football, as Saudi Arabia became the first team from Asia to reach the final of a major FIFA tournament.
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Key Facts
- Date: 20 October 1992
- Venue: King Fahd II Stadium, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Final Score: Argentina 3–1 Saudi Arabia
- Attendance: 75,000 spectators
- Referee: Lim Kee Chong (Mauritius)
- Historic Milestone: First Asian team to reach a major FIFA tournament final.
Match Analysis and Progression
Argentina entered the match with a powerful lineup managed by Alfio Basile, featuring legendary figures such as Gabriel Batistuta and Fernando Redondo. The South American side asserted their dominance early in the game, utilizing their clinical attacking play to take a commanding lead.
The scoring opened in the 18th minute through Leonardo Rodríguez, followed quickly by a goal from Claudio Caniggia in the 24th minute. By the 64th minute, Diego Simeone added a third, effectively securing the victory for Argentina.
Despite the deficit, Saudi Arabia, managed by Nelsinho Rosa, showed resilience. In the 65th minute, immediately following Argentina's third goal, Saeed Al-Owairan scored for the hosts, providing a moment of celebration for the 75,000 fans in attendance.
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Team Lineups and Substitutions
Argentina's strategy relied on a balanced formation with Sergio Goycochea in goal and Oscar Ruggeri captaining the defense. To maintain their lead and freshness, Basile introduced Alberto Acosta and Diego Cagna late in the second half.
Saudi Arabia's squad was led by captain Fuad Anwar Amin. In an attempt to shift the momentum, Nelsinho Rosa made tactical substitutions, bringing on Fahad Al-Mehallel and Abdul Aziz Al-Razqan to bolster the attack and midfield.
| Detail | Argentina | Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 3 | 1 |
| Goal Scorers | Rodríguez (18'), Caniggia (24'), Simeone (64') | Al-Owairan (65') |
| Manager | Alfio Basile | Nelsinho Rosa |
| Captain | Oscar Ruggeri | Fuad Anwar Amin |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 1992 King Fahd Cup?
Argentina won the tournament, defeating Saudi Arabia with a final score of 3–1.
Where was the final match played?
The match took place at the King Fahd II Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Why was this match significant for Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia made history by becoming the first Asian team to reach the final of a major FIFA tournament.
Who were the goal scorers for Argentina?
The goals for Argentina were scored by Leonardo Rodríguez in the 18th minute, Claudio Caniggia in the 24th minute, and Diego Simeone in the 64th minute.
How many people attended the final?
The match was attended by 75,000 spectators.