Argentina staged a remarkable World Cup fightback as they came from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2 in a dramatic last-16 game on Tuesday before sobbing tears of relief at the final whistle.
The holders were trailing 2-0 and 11 minutes from a shock defeat, but goals by Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and two minutes into stoppage time from Enzo Fernandez kept them in the competition.
Egypt made the brighter start and stunned the South American giants with disciplined defending and swift counter-attacking football.
The Pharaohs opened the scoring midway through the first half after a flowing move split Argentina’s defence before a composed finish beat the goalkeeper.
Egypt doubled their advantage capitalising on another defensive lapse to leave Argentina facing a shock elimination.
Read Also: Belgium Rout US 4-1 to Reach World Cup Quarter-finals
Spain End Ronaldo’s World Cup Dream, Reach Quarter-finals
The North Africans fell apart in the closing stages, however, as the 39-year-old Messi, whose record World Cup goal haul is now up to 21, orchestrated Argentina’s dramatic revival.
The captain provided the cross from which Romero headed home to start the comeback in the 79th minute despite loosing a penalty earlier in the first half. Four minutes later Messi crashed home the equaliser after substitutes Lautaro Martinez and Gonzalo Montiel had both got vital touches to keep the ball away from Egyptian defenders.
With confidence restored, Argentina continued pushing forward while Egypt searched desperately for relief through counter-attacks.
The winner came from a counter-attack as Lautaro Martinez crossed from the right and Fernandez cushioned a back-post header past goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir.
“I’d been longing for this goal for three years. We have a phenomenal group, one that never gives up,” Fernandez said.
“We had to take advantage of the spaces they gave us, and we did. We came here to enjoy another World Cup and to represent our country. And that’s what we’re doing.”
The decisive goal sparked wild celebrations among Argentina’s players and supporters.
Egypt pressed for an equaliser during the closing stages but Argentina defended resolutely to preserve their slender advantage.
The final whistle confirmed a dramatic 3-2 victory, completing one of the tournament’s finest comebacks.
Egypt exit the competition with heads held high after producing a spirited display that pushed one of football’s traditional powers to the limit.
Argentina advance to the quarter-finals with renewed belief after recovering from a two-goal deficit against determined Egyptian opposition. They will face either Colombia or Switzerland who play later in the day in Kansas City on Saturday.
