UNIPA SPORT DESK,08 July-Defending champions Argentina produced a remarkable late comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on Tuesday, overturning a two-goal deficit in the final 11 minutes to secure a place in the quarterfinals against Switzerland.
Egypt appeared on course for a historic victory after Yasser Ibrahim opened the scoring in the first half and Mostafa Zico doubled the advantage after the break. The African side also had another goal ruled out following a video review that identified a foul earlier in the attacking move.
Argentina began its comeback in the 79th minute when Cristian Romero headed home to reduce the deficit. Lionel Messi equalized in the 83rd minute with his eighth goal of the tournament and a record-extending 21st FIFA World Cup goal before Enzo Fernández scored the winner in stoppage time to complete the dramatic turnaround.
Messi had earlier missed a first-half penalty after Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir made a save. It marked Messi’s fourth missed penalty in eight attempts at FIFA World Cup tournaments.
Despite the defeat, Egypt delivered a strong performance and came close to eliminating the defending champions. Head coach Hossam Hassan criticized the outcome after the match, claiming his team had been treated unfairly and expressing disappointment over a penalty appeal that was not awarded before Argentina’s winning goal.
In the other Round of 16 match, Switzerland defeated Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the teams played out a goalless draw over 120 minutes in Vancouver.
Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel saved Cucho Hernández’s penalty after Davinson Sánchez struck the crossbar, allowing Ruben Vargas to convert the decisive spot kick and send the Swiss into the quarterfinals.
The victory sends Switzerland into the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since the 1954 tournament. They will face Argentina on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
