Egypt's World Cup run ended in heartbreak. A 3-2 defeat to Argentina saw Pharaohs blow a 2-0 lead as the champs stormed back. Controversial calls marred the match,leaving Egyptian players and fans feeling robbed.
Messi tied it up in the 83rd,then Fernandez clinched it in stoppage time. Chaos reigned in final minutes, with Argentina's fouls ignored and Ziko's goal overturned by VAR . Fury erupted on and off field.
Coach Hossam Hassan, furious, gestured about alleged racist abuse, crossing arms in “X” for FIFA’s anti-racism protocol. Referee did nothing until match's end,fueling Egypt's anger.
Social media lit up with support. Egypt had made history, beating Australia in round of 32. The Egyptian Football Federation praised the team: “You were men of great responsibility. Proud of you. Thank you for everything.”
Arab world rallied behind Egypt. President el-Sisi hailed the team’s “honourable performance,” expressing pride in their accomplishments. Future looks bright,he said.
Fans felt deep emotional tie to team. One urged players to “hold your heads high like Coach Hossam held flag of Palestine.” Hassan had dedicated Australia win to Egyptians and Palestinians, showing solidarity.
Palestinian ambassador to UK praised Egypt,slammed referee. Social media echoed anger. A fan in Gaza said match offered brief escape from harsh reality: “Everyone here in Gaza was out in the streets watching. For a moment, they forgot unbearable reality they endure every day.”
Footage showed Gazans watching match amid rubble,Egyptian flags flying. The unfairness overshadowed their joy.
In post-match comments, Ziko slammed referee’s calls as “clear and obvious oppression.” He left outcome to God, congratulating Argentina. Jamie Carragher also criticized VAR,saying reversed roles would have upheld goal.
José Mourinho called it “daylight robbery,” questioning logic of overturning goal after play continued. He lamented state of football,urging immediate action on fouls.
Hassan echoed frustration in press conference. “What happened to us wasn’t fair. We should have had a penalty, a goal was disallowed, and I don’t know why it was disallowed,” he said.
Despite setback,Egyptian players got hero’s welcome home. Fans gathered outside hotel, waving flags,celebrating historic run. Pride in team strong, even amid controversy.
