By Bundu Onyenweaku
Argentina produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 in a pulsating FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, recovering from a two-goal deficit to keep their title defence alive.
Egypt, making their first World Cup Round of 16 appearance since 1934, stunned the reigning champions in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim rose highest to power home a header from Ahmed Attia’s corner. Argentina had a golden chance to respond before the break after Nicolás Tagliafico was brought down in the box, but captain Lionel Messi saw his penalty brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. The Egyptian shot-stopper then produced outstanding saves to deny Alexis Mac Allister and Julián Álvarez, while Messi also struck the crossbar with a free-kick as Argentina went into halftime trailing in a World Cup knockout match for the first time since 2010.
The Pharaohs looked set for one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history when Mostafa Zico doubled their advantage in the 67th minute, leaving Argentina with just 23 minutes to save their campaign. The champions finally found a response in the 79th minute as Cristian Romero headed home before substitute Gonzalo Montiel set up Messi, whose first-time finish crashed in off the underside of the crossbar to level the score at 2-2 four minutes later. The goal also saw Messi become the first player to score in six consecutive World Cup knockout matches.
With extra time looming, Argentina struck the decisive blow deep into stoppage time. Lautaro Martínez delivered a teasing cross into the area, and Enzo Fernández rose to head home a dramatic winner, completing an astonishing 3-2 turnaround and booking Argentina’s place in the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the Switzerland-Colombia clash on July 11.
For Egypt, it was a heartbreaking end to a remarkable campaign. Despite falling just short of a historic victory, the Pharaohs leave the tournament with immense pride after pushing the defending champions to the limit in one of the most memorable matches of the World Cup.