Reigning world champions Argentina national football team produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat Egypt national football team 3-2 and book a place in the World Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Switzerland national football team.
Egypt appeared destined for one of the greatest victories in their football history after racing into a 2-0 lead against the defending champions at Atlanta Stadium. With just 12 minutes remaining, the Pharaohs were on course for their first-ever World Cup quarter-final appearance.
However, Argentina mounted a sensational fightback. Cristian Romero pulled one back in the 79th minute before captain Lionel Messi levelled the score four minutes later. Deep into stoppage time, Enzo Fernández headed home the winner to complete an astonishing turnaround.
The defeat left Egypt furious with several officiating decisions. A second goal from Mostafa Zico was ruled out following a VAR review after Marwan Attia was adjudged to have fouled Lisandro Martínez in the build-up.
Egypt also felt captain Mohamed Salah should have been awarded a penalty moments before Argentina launched the counterattack that led to the winning goal.
An emotional Egypt coach Hossam Hassan accused officials of favouring the defending champions after the match.
“We suffered injustice,” Hassan said. “There have been many things to question on and off the pitch. Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champions in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running.”
Meanwhile, Switzerland secured their place in the last eight after edging Colombia national football team 4-3 on penalties following a goalless draw at BC Place in Vancouver.
Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel emerged as the hero, producing a decisive save from Cucho Hernández in the shootout after earlier misses from Davinson Sánchez and Manuel Akanji had left the contest evenly poised.
Successful penalties from Granit Xhaka, Zeki Amdouni, Cedric Itten and Ruben Vargas sealed Switzerland’s victory and sent them into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954.
Switzerland will now face Argentina in what promises to be one of the standout quarter-final fixtures of the tournament.
