After sensation against Argentina: Saudi king orders public holiday

This applies to all employees in the public sector and in the private sector as well as to all students in the Islamic kingdom. Saudi media hailed a “historic victory” and a “heroic epic” on Tuesday.

The Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais, who secured the victory against the big favorite with his saves, was particularly celebrated. “A thousand, thousand congratulations, you heroes,” Saudi Minister of Sport Abdalasis bin Turki al-Faisal wrote on Twitter. The head of the Saudi entertainment authority, influential sports official Turki al-Sheikh, opened entry to three amusement parks to celebrate the victory. Photos from the Saudi broadcaster El-Ekhbaria showed how the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman celebrated the success in front of the television.

At the same time, supporters of the Saudi royal family tried to exploit the success politically. They pointed out that Crown Prince Mohammed did not apply pressure when welcoming the team ahead of the World Cup, paving the way for success. The heir to the throne, son of King Salman, is actually the strong man in Saudi Arabia. Internationally, he is heavily criticized for human rights violations. US intelligence also accuses him of being responsible for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul by an assassin squad from Riyadh.

Team boss Herve Renard said about the first big tournament surprise: “We made history, that will stay forever.” Now you have to look ahead anyway. According to Renard, there are still tough opponents in Poland and Mexico. The Frenchman thanked the crown prince for his support over the three years he has been in charge of Saudi Arabia. “He never pressured and that’s wonderful. Because pressure doesn’t work very often.”