South African coach Pitso Mosimane has reacted to his Sky Sports TV punditry debut in Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup shocker between Saudi Arabia and Argentina.
Mosimane, who is based in Saudi Arabia, joined the Sky Sports team to analyse the Group C 2022 Qatar World Cup game, which the underdogs won 2-1.
After the game, Mosimane said he was excited to have provided his expert opinion before a global football audience.
“Pre-match vs Post-match. Thank you @SkySportsNews @SkySports for having me on your #FIFAWorldCup shows today,” Mosimane tweeted.
“Congratulations @SaudiNT! What an entertaining game.”
PERFECT FIT FOR A PUNDIT
Sky Sports found the former Bafana Bafana gaffer Mosimane a perfect fit as an analyst for the game as he is in charge of Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli Saudi.
The South African joined the Jeddah-based second tier team three months ago after resigning from Al Ahly in Egypt.
He won two CAF Champions League titles in three attempts in addition to domestic titles and FIFA Club World Cup bronze medals.
On Tuesday, Mosimane witnessed history unfold as Argentina suffered the surprise defeat to Saudi Arabia.
Argentine lost despite having gone ahead barely 10 minutes into the Group C contest.
Captain Lionel Messi buried the ball into the net from the penalty spot after Saudi Arabian player had committed a foul.
The defeat ended Argentina’s 36-game unbeaten run dating back to 2019.
The South American champions also had three of their efforts declined for offside before Saudi Arabia struck.
The minnows leveled matters early in the second half through Mohammed Al-Shehri before captain Shafi Al-Dawsari snatched the winner.
HOW HERVE RENARD REACTED TO WIN
Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard has since dedicated the hard-fought win to the country’s football fans.
“Congratulations to the team and the staff for this game, I dedicate this victory to the Saudi people. We are waiting for your support next match,” he said.
Saudi Arabia are the second-lowest ranked team in the tournament at position 51.
Saudi Arabi face Poland in the next game whereas Argentina take on Mexico.
WORLD CUP 1ST WEEK FIXTURES
Thursday, Nov. 24:
Group G: Switzerland vs. Cameroon (5 a.m. EST, Al Janoub Stadium)
Group H: Uruguay vs. South Korea (8 a.m. EST, Education City Stadium)
Group H: Portugal vs. Ghana (11 a.m. EST, Stadium 974)
Group G: Brazil vs. Serbia (2 p.m. EST, Lusail Stadium)
Friday, Nov. 25:
Group B: Wales vs. Iran (5 a.m. EST, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium)
Group A: Qatar vs. Senegal (8 a.m. EST, Al Thumama Stadium)
Group A: Netherlands vs. Ecuador (11 a.m. EST, Khalifa International Stadium)
Group B: England vs. United States (2 p.m. EST, Al Bayt Stadium)
Saturday, Nov. 26:
Group D: Tunisia vs. Australia (5 a.m. EST, Al Janoub Stadium)
Group C: Poland vs. Saudi Arabia (8 a.m. EST, Education City Stadium)
Group D: France vs. Denmark (11 a.m. EST, Stadium 974)
Group C: Argentina vs. Mexico (2 p.m. EST, Lusail Stadium)
Sunday, Nov. 27:
Group E: Japan vs. Costa Rica (5 a.m. EST, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium)
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