Egypt’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign came to a dramatic end on Tuesday after a late comeback from Argentina secured a thrilling 3-2 victory in their Round of 16 clash.
The Pharaohs looked on course for one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history after taking a two-goal lead against the tournament favourites.
Defender Yasser Ibrahim opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a powerful header before Mostafa Ziko doubled Egypt’s advantage in the 67th minute after finishing off a well-worked cross.
Argentina had an opportunity to reduce the deficit in the first half when Nicolás Tagliafico won a penalty, but Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Ahmed Shobeir produced a stunning save to deny Lionel Messi from the spot.
The South Americans refused to give up, with Cristian Romero pulling one back in the 79th minute before Messi finally found the net four minutes later to level the scores at 2-2.
With extra time looming, Enzo Fernández headed home in the third minute of stoppage time to complete a remarkable comeback and send Argentina into the quarter finals.
Argentina, who have won all five of their matches at the tournament, will now face Switzerland in the quarter finals on 11 July.
With Egypt’s exit, Morocco remains the only African and Middle Eastern nation still in the tournament and will face France in the quarter finals.
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