The Saudi Arabia shocker, Giroud masterclass or Ochoa save, which is the Pulse of the Day?

Saudi Arabia's boss, Renard Herve (R) and his coaching crew.

Qatar 2022 Day 3 The Saudi Arabia shocker, Giroud masterclass or Ochoa save, which is the Pulse of the Day?

Izuchukwu Akawor 08:56 - 23.11.2022

Relive all the key and biggest moments that matter from each matchday at the 22nd FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Day three of the 2022 FIFA World Cup produced fewer goals but the biggest shocker of the tournament so far than the previous day.

Eight goals were scored in four matches compared to 12 in three on day two, with the five-goal thriller between defending champions France and Australia serving the most goals.

However, the game of the day was at the Lusail Stadium, where Saudi Arabia restored the pride and hope of the Middle East with an outstanding performance in Group C.

So, let's take a look at The Pulse of the Day for matchday three in Qatar 2022.

Olivier Giroud inspires Defending Champions

AC Milan's veteran striker Olivier Giroud has announced himself in the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Giroud was the hero as World Champions France came from behind to thrash Australia 4-1 in the last game of day three.

Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe have formed a formidable partnership for France.

Another shock was on the cards in this particular encounter when the Socceros took an early lead through a beautiful strike by Craig Goodwin.

But whatever hopes bookmakers had of another shocking result quickly evapourated when Adrien Rabiot restored parity just before the half-hour mark.

Five minutes later, Rabiot set up Giroud to put Les Bleus 2-1 up heading into the break.

Kylian Mbappe doubled France's lead in the 68th minute before Giroud struck again with his second and a fourth to seal the win and three points.

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France escaped thanks to Giroud, who became the joint-top scorer of all time for France. He has scored 51 goals, the same as Thierry Henry.

Ochoa reminds everyone of World Cup

What is a FIFA World Cup without an outstanding contribution and showmanship from veteran Mexican hero Guillermo Ochoa.

The 37-year-old was at his absolute best again in the World Cup after a heroic display saw him inspire Mexico to a share of the spoils against Poland.

Guillermo Ochoa

Ochoa denied Robert Lewandowski from the spot early in the second half to keep his nation in the game. The save ensured the World Cup royalty wrote another golden chapter in his journey at the global showpiece.

Green Falcons shock Argentina

Not even this writer expected what happened in this first game of the day between Saudi Arabia and one of the tournament's favourites, Argentina.

I didn't give the Green Falcons a chance especially after what i had seen from their Middle East neighbours, host, Qatar, and Iran in previous matches.

Saudi Arabia players celebrate the historic win.

As i noted in the match's preview, Saudi Arabia was the last hope for the region to restore hope.

However, when Lionel Messi scored via a penalty to put Argentina ahead in the first-half, i said, 'here we go!'

Salem Al-Dawsari celebrating after scoring the stunning winner for Saudi Arabia

What happened in the second-half was as remarkable as it was extraordinary indeed.

Saudi Arabia turned it around and did so in style - with a masterclass in high pressing as activated by Renard Herve, two outstanding goals, with the winner, the best in the competition so far.

Both goals were scored by their two superstars, Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari, as highlighted in the preview, and most importantly, holding on for the historic win.

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The Green Falcons shocker is deservedly The Pulse of the Day for matchday three.

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