Argentina 3-2 Egypt: The 2022 world champions looked set to suffer the biggest shock in World Cup history, but made a heroic late recovery to book their place in the quarter-finals.
Lionel Messi saved Argentina late in the match (Image: Getty Images)
Inspired by Lionel Messi, Argentina beat Egypt in Atlanta, scoring three goals in 14 minutes and performing one of the greatest rescues in World Cup history.
Argentina icon Messi missed a penalty in the first half, but recovered to assist Cristian Romero and then score himself to bring his country level. Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandes then scored the winning goal in stoppage time.
The African side got off to a dream start with Yasser Ibrahim scoring the opening goal. Messi then had a great chance to equalize from the penalty spot, but his shot was saved by Mostafa Chobeir.
Egypt thought they doubled their lead in the second half. Hassan produced a charging run down the right flank, picked out Mo Salah and rolled the ball to Zico.
He came on strong but his celebration was ruled out after a VAR review for a foul early in the game. But then he scored a brilliant second goal and got another chance to be praised.
Argentina gained a foothold with 10 minutes remaining when Romero scored a header from Messi’s cross. The latter then went further, delivering a clinical equalizer when the country needed him most. Lionel Scaloni’s side then completed the comeback with a goal from Fernandes in stoppage time.
If Argentina wins, they will face either Colombia or Switzerland in the final quarterfinals. In the meantime, Egypt will reflect on how they got through that dramatic night in Atlanta.
Egypt got off to a good start and took an eye-catching lead with a goal from defender Ibrahim. The 33-year-old managed to escape the attentions of Lisandro Martinez and nod past the desperate grasp of Emi Martinez.
Nicolas Tagliafico was then brought down by Haisem Hassan, giving Argentina a golden chance to equalize. It was no surprise to see Messi step up, having already scored seven goals at this World Cup and sitting at the top of the all-time goalscoring list.
And with Shobail jumping to his left and parrying it, it was no wonder he missed. This mistake meant that Argentina’s superstar was unable to convert his past two penalty shootouts and four total penalty shootouts at the World Cup.
Messi has missed his last two penalties at the World Cup (Image: Getty Images)
Nevertheless, Argentina should have tied the score before the break. Alexis Mac Allister’s header was well saved by Chobeil and the Egyptian goalkeeper also made a great stop to deny Julian Alvarez an almost certain goal from Tagliafico’s cutback.
With Argentina reeling after the break, it looked as if Egypt had maximized their advantage. Hassan picked up the ball on the right side and charged down the pitch with a dizzying run.
He picked out Salah and played a perfect pass to Zico, who calmly finished. The celebrations were wild, but were called off after a VAR review concluded that Tagliafico had been fouled early in the game.
Zico celebrates his goal against Argentina (Image: Getty Images)
However, the success of Hassan, Salah and Zico could not be denied. The trio linked up again in a deadly counter-attack, with Hassan’s low center deflecting off Zico, who slotted it home to the delight of the Egyptian crowd.
Argentina needed some serious inspiration for the final moments and they managed to get it. Messi played a great ball, and Romero headed it in to reduce the gap to one point.
The eight-time champion stepped up again just minutes later. After a scuffle inside the Egyptian penalty area, the ball fell into the hands of Messi, who darted home after a touch-off between the goalkeeper and the crossbar.
Things then looked even better for the South American team in stoppage time, with Fernandes scoring a stunning victory and ending his time as world champion.
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