In the last 16 of the World Cup held in Atlanta, Egypt lost a dramatic 3-2 loss to Argentina despite trailing by two points, and many of the referees’ decisions were subsequently criticized.
Mostafa Zico speaks clearly about his feelings after Egypt defeat (Image: Getty Images)
Egypt star Mostafa Zico claimed the match against Argentina was rigged and the South American side could have won. The reigning world champions fell behind 2-0 in Atlanta and looked ready to play.
However, they scored three unanswered goals in the closing stages to keep their dream of winning the World Cup alive. However, this match was marred by controversy.
Egypt had their goal ruled out by VAR after a clear foul on Nicolas Tagliafico early in the game, but they were also furious at the decision not to award Argentina a penalty just before the deciding goal.
Zico, who scored his country’s second goal, did not refute the officials’ assessment, insisting that the match and the tournament were rigged in Argentina’s favor.
“The referee was not good, it was unfair. His dishonesty was obvious. He persecuted us from the beginning of the game. He doesn’t want us to win. He doesn’t want us to win. He persecuted us from the beginning of the game.”
“It was a match-fixed game. It wasn’t our fault. That referee…it seems like the game was match-fixed. We were winning 2-0, but he kept attacking us. Congratulations to Argentina for making it to the World Cup again.”
“At no point did I think the match was already decided. We knew we were playing the reigning world champions.
“Before the game started, we knew we were playing against a very strong team and one of the favorites for the championship. But if they had won on their own, it would have been a completely different story for us.”
Egypt furious with referee after defeat to Argentina (Image: Getty Images)
Zico wasn’t the only one furious with the referees’ performance. Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan also took aim after the full-time whistle.
“We saw no respect and no fair play. The penalty was ruled out and the second goal (which should have been a penalty for us) was not even checked by VAR. Whatever the reason, the second goal was surprisingly disallowed.”
“It seems like there was pressure on the referee from the Argentine side that led to this result.
“Life isn’t fair. The world isn’t fair. That’s fine, but why isn’t there fairness in sports? I’m not satisfied with this result and how this match played out.
“The referee is unfair. God is enough for me and only God can make things work out. He is wasting the efforts of the whole country. The cup is for Argentina.”
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