Enzo Fernandez's late header completed a stunning Argentina comeback against Egypt in their World Cup last-16 tie in Atlanta – but the goal was shrouded in controversy that has left pundits questioning the use of VAR.
The reigning world champions trailed 2-0 after goals from Mostafa Shobeir and Ziko before Cristian Romero pulled one back. Lionel Messi equalised, and then Fernandez struck in the dying minutes to seal a 3-2 victory that sent Argentina into the quarter-finals. But Egypt forward Mo Salah was incandescent, convinced he should have been awarded a penalty in the build-up, only for VAR to decline to intervene.
“Argentina's 3-2 comeback win over Egypt marred by VAR controversy as Wright claims winning goal should have been disallowed for foul on Salah.”
Ian Wright, on punditry duty for ITV Sport, was emphatic that the goal should have been disallowed. "That's what happening with VAR now," he said. "If you're going to pull it back for Argentina on the edge of the box to disallow a goal, you have to pull it back for this one with Mo Salah. He's been caught." Roy Keane added: "The only thing I'd say with this one when he does cut, why does his legs give way?"
It was not the only flashpoint. Argentina were awarded a first-half penalty after a foul on Nicolas Tagliafico, but Messi missed. Earlier, Ziko had a goal ruled out by VAR for a foul on Tagliafico in the build-up – a decision Wright also questioned. "If we're going to start, is that what VAR is for? That's a long way to go back," he said. Asked whether an Argentina goal would have been struck off in similar circumstances, Gary Neville replied simply: "Unlikely."
Keane conceded: "The bigger teams do seem to get the benefit of these decisions but it shouldn't take away from what Argentina have also achieved. You're 2-0 down with 10 or 11 minutes to go. The credit has to go to Argentina."
Messi, who now leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals, was overcome with emotion after the final whistle. Argentina will face either Colombia or Switzerland in the quarter-finals, with a potential semi-final against England or Norway lying in wait.