Heartbreak For Egypt As Messi Inspires Arge…

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Argentina booked their spot FIFA World Cup quarter-finals with an impressive come-from-behind 3-2 win over Egypt on Tuesday night.

Fixture: Argentina v Egypt
Score: 3-2
Goalscorers: Romero (79′), Messi (83′), Fernandez (90+2′) / Ibrahim (15′), Ziko (67′)

La Albiceleste coach Lionel Scaloni made three changes from their thrilling win over Cape Verde, as Julian Alvarez, Leandro Paredes and Nicolás Tagliafico were recalled to the starting line-up, while the Pharaohs handed a first start to Haissem Hassan, who impressed off the bench against Australia in the last round.

The Pharaohs got off to the perfect start by taking the game to the world champions, which resulted in the opening goal on 15 minutes when Marwan Attia picked out Yasser Ibrahim, who sent a fine header past Emiliano Martinez.

Argentina were given a chance to get back level on terms when Lionel Messi’s through-ball found Tagliafico, who was brought down by Hassan, earning them a penalty. Messi stepped up but for the second time in the tournament he failed to convert thanks to Mostafa Shobeir’s save.

The South Americans took control for the rest of the first period as they went in search of the equaliser but they came up against an Egyptian side well-drilled in defence, while goalkeeper Shobeir pulled off another superb save from point-blank range to keep out Alvarez’s first time strike.

Argentina came out firing in the second half looking to get back on level terms but they were caught out on the break by Egypt’s counter-attack as Mostafa Ziko finished off Mohamed Salah’s pass, but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) came to their rescue as the goal was ruled out for a foul on Lisandro Martinez in the build-up.

Egypt were not to be denied in the 67th minute when Salah embarked on a fine run before giving the ball off to Hassan, who surged into the box to pick out Ziko to fire home from close range, taking his World Cup tally to two goals.

However, the South Americans proved why they are reigning World and South American champions as Cristian Romero pulled one goal back on 79 minutes by nodding home Messi’s cross, before the Argentine skipper brought his side level in the 83rd minute with his eighth goal of the tournament.

With the game seemingly headed for extra-time, the reigning champions completed the turnaround int he second minute of time added on when Lautaro Martinez sent a superb cross into the box for Enzo Fernandez, who planted a header into the bottom corner to send his side to the quarter-finals.

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