Egypt’s remarkable World Cup journey ended in heartbreak as they let a two-goal lead slip in a dramatic 3-2 defeat by Argentina in the last 16 in Atlanta.
For 79 minutes, the Pharaohs were on the verge of one of the greatest nights in Egyptian football history. Yasser Ibrahim’s first-half header and Mostafa Ziko’s composed finish had put Egypt 2-0 ahead against the world champions, while Mostafa Shobeir had produced a superb display in goal, including a penalty save from Lionel Messi.
But Argentina, pushed to the edge of elimination, found a devastating late response. Cristian Romero pulled one back with a header, Messi levelled four minutes later, and Enzo Fernández completed the comeback in stoppage time to send Egypt out in the cruellest possible way.
Egypt were dealt two heavy blows when Emam Ashour and Haissem Hassan were both forced off injured, helping Argentina seize control late on. But beyond the South American giants’ stunning comeback, the match will also be remembered in Egypt for the controversial refereeing decisions that deepened the sense of injustice.
Egypt
Mostafa Shobeir
Mohamed Hany
Yasser Ibrahim
Rami Rabia
Karim Hafez
Mohanad Lasheen
Zizo 90+6′
Marwan Attia
Haissem Hassan
Trezeguet 73′
Mohamed Salah
Emam Ashour
Hamdi Fathi 45′
Mostafa Ziko
Omar Marmoush 80′
Argentina
Emiliano Martínez
Nahuel Molina
Gonzalo Montiel 73′
Cristian Romero
Nicolás Otamendi 90+5′
Lisandro Martínez
Nicolás Tagliafico
Nicolás González 66′
Leandro Paredes
Rodrigo De Paul
Lautaro Martínez 66′
Alexis Mac Allister
Enzo Fernández
Lionel Messi
Julián Álvarez
Facundo Medina 90+5′
