Defending champions, Argentina staged a remarkable second-half comeback to overturn a two-goal deficit and defeat Egypt 3-2 in a dramatic FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash, booking their place in the quarter-finals after Enzo Fernández struck a stoppage-time winner.
Egypt looked set for one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history after Yasser Ibrahim headed them into the lead in the 15th minute, before Mostafa Zico doubled the advantage in the 67th minute with a clinical finish following a swift counterattack. The Africans had also survived an early scare when goalkeeper, Mostafa Shobeir denied Lionel Messi from the penalty spot after Argentina were awarded a first-half spot-kick.
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Argentina, however, responded with the urgency expected of the reigning champions. Defender, Cristian Romero pulled one back to ignite the comeback before Messi atoned for his penalty miss by levelling the score late in the second half as Egypt, who had defended resolutely for much of the contest, began to tire under relentless pressure.
With extra time looming, Fernández completed the turnaround in stoppage time, finishing from close range after being picked out by Lisandro Martínez to send the Argentine bench into wild celebrations and crush Egyptian hopes of a famous victory.
The victory sends Argentina into the quarter-finals, where they will face the winners of Tuesday’s other Round of 16 tie between Switzerland and Colombia, while Egypt bow out after producing one of the tournament’s bravest performances despite falling just short of a historic upset.
