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Argentina Rally Past Egypt 3-2 to Reach World Cup Quarterfinals

The late comeback kept the defending champions alive and put fresh focus on VAR and referee decisions at the tournament.

Overview

  • The match in Atlanta saw Argentina overturn a 0-2 deficit to win 3-2 and advance to the World Cup quarterfinals after late goals changed the outcome on Tuesday.
  • Cristián Romero headed the first goal to start the recovery, Lionel Messi scored to level the game and Enzo Fernández headed the 90+ winner that sealed the comeback.
  • A Mostafa Ziko strike was ruled out after a VAR review for a prior foul and the game was refereed by François Letexier, facts that intensified public scrutiny of officiating decisions.
  • Messi missed a first-half penalty that was saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir and later broke into tears after the win, saying he felt he had nearly let the team down.
  • Argentina will face the winner of Colombia versus Switzerland in a quarterfinal scheduled for Kansas City on July 11, and the match raises stakes for tournament governance and public trust in VAR.