Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Argentina vs Egypt delivered one of the wildest finishes of the FIFA World Cup, as Lionel Scaloni’s defending champions came from 2-0 down in Atlanta to win 3-2 and reach the quarter-finals.
Egypt looked set for a historic last-eight place after taking control, but a late collapse, a disallowed Mostafa Ziko goal and stoppage-time drama left coach Hossam Hassan furious.
The defeat came after major build-up around Egypt vs Argentina, with Mohamed Salah set to face Lionel Messi on the World Cup stage.
Hassan Blames Injustice
Hassan did not hide his anger after Egypt’s dream ended in painful fashion.
“Ordinary life, normal life is unfair, but why isn't there any fairness in sports?” Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said.
“I'm not convinced with this outcome. I'm not convinced with the way things unfolded during this match. I do not want to try to put it nicely here with beautiful wording and say 'hard luck' and so on and so forth. We have been treated unfairly. We have suffered injustice.”
Mostafa Ziko also saw his goal ruled out by VAR, with Egypt believing the review went too far back in the move.
“What I told the referee is that 'This is unfair. This is unfair,'” Hassan said.
Argentina Punish Egypt Collapse
Egypt’s frustration was real, but their defensive finish was just as damaging.
With a 2-0 lead moving into the final stages, the Pharaohs had the match, the story and Argentina’s title defence in their hands.
Messi’s strike turned the pressure, before Enzo Fernandez completed the comeback in stoppage time.
“If you analyze the match, it was always Argentina's match, but they had really good moments,” Scaloni said.
“They're a really good team, they have great players, but apart from (a penalty kick that Messi didn't convert), I think we had three or four clear chances in the first half so if we were to (go) up 1-0, no one would question that.”
Official tournament updates are available through FIFA.
