Argentina overcame fear to beat Egypt and keep World Cup dream alive – Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Ian Wright clash over whether victory was down to luck
Gary Neville claims Argentina are ‘riding their luck’ (Image: ITV)
Gary Neville accused Argentina of “riding luck” at the World Cup and insisted their come-from-behind victory was not down to luck, before Roy Keane and Ian Wright both slammed him.
The World Cup holders overcame another scare on Tuesday night, scoring three goals in the final 15 minutes to deny Egypt, who were leading 2-0 with 75 minutes left. Enzo Fernandes scored in stoppage time after Christy Romero and Lionel Messi equalized.
This came after Argentina beat underdog powerhouse Cape Verde 3-2 on Friday, but after the African nation sent the match to extra time. Neville admitted that conceding two goals in every knockout game was not sustainable, but was quickly dismissed when he suggested it was all down to luck.
He told ITV: “You watch them play against Cape Verde, you watch them play Egypt, they’re not the best two teams in this competition. You think this team can’t just continue to ride their luck…”
Keene and Wright later interjected, denying the idea that luck had anything to do with it. Neville continued. “But this team has a very difficult and unyielding spirit, so we have to fight against it. I can’t believe they survive every game like this. They don’t play well enough.”
Mr Wright admitted he was “afraid of them” because they “never knew when they were going to get hit”. Keane himself emphasized that the best team does not always win the World Cup. “You don’t have to be the best, but if you have the fight, the desire and Messi, you have a great chance,” he insisted.
Argentina will face Switzerland in the last eight and a win could see them advance to a mouth-watering semi-final against England, where they will have to beat Norway.
Lionel Messi contributed to the comeback late in the second half (Image: Getty Images)
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With Messi and company aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain World Cup glory, the Inter Miami man has become a full-time emotional figure.
“It was a relief for everyone,” he said. “It’s not easy to come back from a 2-0 deficit, but this group will never give up and will continue to fight until the end.
“We were lucky to get Kuti (Romero)’s goal early on. We were able to come back and win in the 90th minute. What this group did today was incredible and I’m very happy that people can continue to enjoy what we’re doing.”
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