Round of 16 – Tuesday
•Egypt 2-3 Argentina
•Switzerland 0(4)-(3)0 Colombia
Quarterfinals
•France Vs Morocco
•Spain Vs Belgium
•Norway Vs England
•Argentina Vs Switzerland
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Egypt’s historic FIFA World Cup run came to a heartbreaking end on Tuesday after the Pharaohs surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to defending champions Argentina in a dramatic Round of 16 clash in Atlanta.
The African side looked on course for one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history after taking a 2-0 lead, only for Argentina to score three times in the final 13 minutes to complete a remarkable comeback.
Egypt made a dream start in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim powered home a header from Marwan Ateya’s corner to stun the reigning champions.
Argentina had an immediate chance to respond six minutes later, but goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced a brilliant save to deny Lionel Messi from the penalty spot.
The Pharaohs continued to frustrate Argentina throughout the first half and thought they had doubled their lead early after the restart, only for Mostafa Ziko’s goal to be ruled out following a VAR review.
Egypt did get their second goal in the 69th minute when Mohamed Salah sparked a swift counterattack before Haissem Hassan picked out Ziko, who finished clinically to make it 2-0.
Argentina mounted a late fightback as Cristian Romero headed home from Messi’s cross in the 79th minute before Messi equalised four minutes later to swing the momentum in favour of the holders.
With extra time looming, Lautaro Martínez delivered a cross that Enzo Fernández headed home in stoppage time to complete a stunning comeback and send Argentina into the quarter-finals.
Despite the painful defeat, Egypt leave the tournament with their heads held high in a World Cup edition they not only collected their first ever win but also reached knockout for the first time ever.
This, leaves Africa with only one team at the competition heading into the Quarterfinals – Morocco who had a run to the semifinals in 2022 Qatar, face France.
The 2010 winners Spain who eliminated Christiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, face Belgium who ousted United States in the other Quarterfinal.
For eliminating Egypt, Argentina have been handed Switzerland who stunned Colombia in shootouts.
Erling Haaland who scored a brace as Norway kicked out Brazil, will hope for similar fortunes once again as they take on England, who eliminated co-hosts Mexico.
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