In a stunning World Cup twist,Egypt led Argentina 2-0, only to fall 3-2 in dramatic comeback . Held at Atlanta Stadium,the match saw Egypt close to a first quarter-final ever,a big moment for the football-mad country.
With just 12 minutes to go,Egypt seemed set for victory. Goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico had them in control. But then Cristian Romero scored in the 79th minute for Argentina,sparking chaos. Four minutes later,Lionel Messi equalized,and Enzo Fernandez clinched it with a stoppage-time header,leaving Egyptian players stunned.
Egypt's frustration grew with controversial calls. A second Zico goal was disallowed after a foul by Marwan Attia against Lisandro Martinez. Egypt also argued Salah was fouled in box just before Argentina's winner, questioning VAR's consistency.
“There have been lot of things to be questioned on and off pitch,” said Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan. “Negative aspects all around. It's just about credibility,lack of credibility with how things unfolded.”
Hassan suggested officiating favored the champions,hinting at pressure to keep Messi and Argentina in. “Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in running,” he said,echoing fans' and players' sense of unfairness.
Egypt's goalkeeper, Mostafa Shobeir, had earlier stopped Messi's penalty,a moment hinting at an upset. But disallowed goal and late drama left Egypt reeling. Afterward, Zico slammed the refereeing,calling it “really unfair.”
Tensions flared throughout. Egyptian staff member saw red, and Hassan was booked for protesting . He later criticized the lack of respect and fair play,asking why sports seem so unfair .
As match ended, many Egyptian players collapsed in despair. The emotional toll showed, with fans venting outrage. “Why is there no fairness in sports?” Hassan asked,mirroring a nation's frustration.
Egypt's exit extends their poor World Cup record, having not won any of their previous seven matches before beating New Zealand earlier. They leave with just one win.
Meanwhile,Mohamed Salah exits with one goal, against New Zealand. At 38,his future in international play is uncertain,possibly his last shot at this stage.
With Egypt out,Morocco remains the last African team, set to face France in the quarter-finals, aiming to keep Africa's World Cup hopes alive.
As dust settles on this painful match,Egypt's claims of injustice linger,leaving fans and players wondering what might have been.
