ATLANTA (AP) — Defending champion Argentina trailed Egypt 1-0 at halftime in the Round of 16. world cup on tuesday.
Yasser Ibrahim’s 15th-minute header gave Egypt an unexpected lead at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but Lionel Messi missed a chance to equalize after his penalty was saved by goalkeeper Mostafa Chobeir.
Messi also hit the post with a long-range free-kick and Julian Alvarez looked to have brought Argentina back into the game just before the break, but his shot was deflected away by Chobeil.
Argentina is aiming to become the first team to win the World Cup since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
The three-time champions were hurt by Cape Verde in the final game, requiring overtime to win 3-2.
Although Egypt had failed to advance through the group stage in their previous four appearances, they have already made history by making it to the last 16 for the first time.
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James Robson is https://x.com/James Saran Robson
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