Argentina Survives Egypt Scare to Avoid Repeat of 30-Year-Old Upset

Argentina narrowly escaped a shocking World Cup exit, completing a stunning 3-2 comeback against Egypt in the last 16 to avoid a repeat of a 30-year-old upset against an African opponent. With just 10 minutes left in the match, the Albiceleste found themselves trailing 2-0, facing the prospect of elimination from the tournament.

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History was barely 10 minutes away from about to be repeated in Atlanta yesterday but providence saved Argentina the blushes of losing to another African opposition, 30 years after the Albiceleste were beaten by Nigeria’s Dream Team in the Men’s Football event final of the 1996 Olympic Games.

Egypt, who had never won a World Cup match before this tournament, had taken a surprising lead through Yasser Ibrahim in the 15th minute. Mostafa Zico extended their advantage midway through the second half, sending Egyptian fans into a frenzy and putting the three-time world champions on the brink of defeat. Lionel Messi, Argentina's talisman, appeared desolate as his international career seemed poised to end in the round of 16.

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But Christian Romero conjured up a masterclass, pulling back one of the goals. Five minutes later, Messi who missed a first-half penalty, fired the equaliser to set up a nail-biting finish. Chelsea midfielder, Enzo Fernandez, completed the comeback two minutes into injury time.

However, Christian Romero ignited the comeback with a header in the 79th minute. Five minutes later, Messi, who had missed a first-half penalty, fired in the equalizer. The dramatic turnaround was completed in the second minute of injury time when Enzo Fernandez headed home Lautaro Martinez's cross, securing a quarter-final tie against Switzerland. The decisive goal came against the run of play, moments after Egypt felt they were denied a penalty for a foul on Mohamed Salah.

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It was impossible not to feel for Egypt, who had not won a World Cup match prior to this tournament but were minutes away from eliminating the three-time world champions in Atlanta.

Egypt's coach, Hossam Hassan, voiced his extreme disappointment after the match, blaming officiating errors for his team's elimination. He lamented a disallowed goal and a missed penalty call, stating that his team was denied what they were entitled to. Despite the heartbreak, Hassan praised his players' performance, noting their ability to compete with top nations despite a squad predominantly composed of domestic league players.

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I’m going home and won’t be watching any more games from the tournament. What happened to us wasn’t fair. We should have had a penalty, a goal was disallowed, and I don’t know why it was disallowed.