With 12 minutes of normal time remaining, Egypt stood on the cusp of their greatest ever World Cup result. The Pharaohs led Argentina, the reigning world champions, 2-0 in Atlanta Stadium. A quarter-final spot – their first – beckoned. Then it went wrong. Horribly wrong.
Cristian Romero reduced the deficit in the 79th minute, heading home Lionel Messi's cross. Four minutes later, the captain himself – who else? – made it 2-2 with a clinical equaliser. In the second minute of stoppage time, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez completed a remarkable turnaround, sending Argentine fans wild.
“Argentina score three in 14 minutes to beat Egypt 3-2 as Messi cries with relief after VAR controversy.”
Egypt were down and out – and downright furious. The video assistant referee had earlier ruled out a second goal by Mostafa Zico for a foul after midfielder Marwan Attia was penalised for stepping on Lisandro Martinez at the start of the move, when they led 1-0. They were also adamant Mohamed Salah was fouled in Argentina's penalty area seconds before the winning break.
When French referee Francois Letexier signalled full-time, many Egyptian players slumped to the floor. In an explosive post-match interview, Egypt boss Hossam Hassan said his side had been "treated unfairly" and had "suffered injustice". "There have been a lot of things to be questioned on and off the pitch," he added. "Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running. The world champion received support at every level."
Earlier, Messi had missed a first-half penalty – saved by Mostafa Shobeir – after Nicolas Tagliafico was brought down. Egypt had taken a dream lead through Yasser Ibrahim's header, and Zico's second-half strike was initially celebrated wildly before being disallowed. He soon made it 2-0 legitimately, but that only set the stage for a devastating Argentine riposte.
Messi was overcome with emotion after the final whistle, crying with relief as the holders booked a quarter-final against either Colombia or Switzerland. The comeback, three goals in 14 minutes, will go down in World Cup history as one of the all-time great rescue acts. For Egypt, the wait for a first quarter-final continues – and the bitterness of this night will linger long.