Argentina Stage Comeback To Eliminate Egypt, Reach World Cup Quarterfinals

Argentina produced a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3-2 and book their place in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals after a dramatic Round of 16 encounter on Tuesday.

The reigning world champions endured a nightmare first hour as Egypt stunned Lionel Scaloni’s side with two well-taken goals and looked on course for one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.

Egypt took the lead in the 15th minute when Hany won a corner down the right. The set piece was recycled to Attia, whose cross found Ibrahim, who rose ahead of Lisandro Martinez to power an unstoppable header into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez rooted to the spot.

Argentina had an immediate opportunity to level after Tagliafico was brought down inside the penalty area by Hassan. However, Lionel Messi failed to convert from the spot in the 21st minute as goalkeeper Shobeir guessed correctly and pushed away the poorly struck effort.

The miss made unwanted history for Messi, who became the first player to miss two penalties at a single FIFA World Cup, having also failed to convert from the spot during Argentina’s group-stage victory over Austria.

Scaloni’s men dominated possession for the remainder of the first half but could not find a breakthrough. Messi struck the outside of the post from a free-kick, Julian Alvarez was denied by a superb Shobeir save, while the Egyptian defence held firm to preserve its advantage at the interval.

Egypt doubled their lead in the 67th minute through Zico after a devastating counterattack. Mohamed Salah led the break before releasing Hassan, whose low cross was turned home from close range by Zico to send Egyptian supporters into celebration.

With their title defence hanging by a thread, Argentina launched a late fightback.

Cristian Romero gave the South Americans hope in the 79th minute, heading home Messi’s corner despite Shobeir getting a hand to the ball.

Four minutes later, Messi atoned for his earlier penalty miss. Lautaro Martinez hooked the ball into his path after Alvarez cushioned it, and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner unleashed a fierce finish beyond Shobeir to level the score at 2-2.

The dramatic turnaround was completed in stoppage time. After Egypt failed to capitalise on a promising counterattack, Argentina broke forward and Fernandez met a cross with a powerful header that flew into the top corner in the 92nd minute, sealing a stunning 3-2 victory.

Egypt protested moments before the winning goal, claiming Alexis Mac Allister had fouled Fathy in the build-up, but play continued and the goal stood.

The decision sparked angry reactions from the Egyptian bench, with goalkeeper Shobeir booked for dissent and a member of the coaching staff sent off.

Argentina survived late pressure during 11 minutes of added time to complete the comeback and secure their place in the quarterfinals.