Reigning champion Argentina escapes with remarkable World Cup victory over Egypt

They seemed crushed. And out. Argentina, the defending World Cup champion and No. 1-ranked staff, was down 2-0 late towards Egypt.

Then, in a span of 13 exceptional minutes, Argentina scored not as soon as, not twice, however 3 times, capping a comeback for the ages and leaving Egypt surprised and shellshocked.

For a lot of the sport in Atlanta, Egypt was in management, hobbling Argentina early. The Egyptian assault started virtually instantly with a surprising header purpose delivered by Yasser Ibrahim within the fifteenth minute. After that, Egypt’s protection closed ranks, making it virtually unimaginable for Argentina to equalize.

It was downhill from there for the Argentines: staff captain Lionel Messi did not convert a penalty kick, and within the 67th minute, Egypt obtained a second purpose from Mostafa Ziko (after an earlier Egyptian purpose had been disallowed after a video evaluate). It seemed like Argentina was completed. Getting ready to elimination.

However nobody instructed the Argentine gamers that.

Within the 79th minute, Lionel Messi started doing his factor. He fired a cross close to the Egyptian purpose, and Cristian Romero headed it in. Messi was not performed. 4 minutes later, he powered a shot previous the Egyptian keeper. It was his eighth purpose of this match, essentially the most of any participant. The rating was 2-2.

Then, in stoppage time, one more Argentina header and one other purpose, this time from Enzo Fernandez.

“That is the World Cup for you,” mentioned Messi after the sport. “It wasn’t simple to return again from two objectives down. However as I at all times say, this group by no means provides up. We at all times attempt to combat till the top.”

Afterward, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan complained concerning the French referee and the officiating. “I’m not satisfied. I’m not satisfied with this consequence. I am not satisfied with the way in which issues unfolded throughout this match,” mentioned Hassan in a post-match information convention. “We now have been handled unfairly immediately. We now have suffered injustice.”

“We’d have deserved to earn this win, however we’re leaving with honor, with pleasure, no matter this defeat,” mentioned Hossan.

African soccer groups have been the celebs of this World Cup. Morocco has but to lose a recreation. Cape Verde certified for the primary time in its historical past and stymied Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Argentina barely beat them in a nail-biter of a match.

For Egypt, getting this far within the match is historic in itself: it is the primary time the staff has made it this far. For Argentina, it was a terrifying but relieving victory: a number of gamers, together with Messi himself, cried after the sport. 

Subsequent, they transfer to the quarterfinals and can play the winner of immediately’s Switzerland-Colombia match.