Argentina staged one of the greatest comebacks in World Cup history, scoring three goals in the final 11 minutes to beat Egypt 3-2 and reach the quarter-finals.
Argentina produced one of the greatest comebacks in World Cup history, fighting back from two goals down to eliminate Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16, The Athletic reports.
Egypt took the lead through a Yasser Ibrahim header in the 15th minute before Mostafa Zico doubled their advantage in the 67th minute on the counter-attack, after an earlier goal was ruled out. Argentina looked set for a shock exit until Cristian Romero pulled one back in the 79th minute.
Lionel Messi then levelled in the 83rd minute, converting after seeing an earlier penalty saved, before Enzo Fernandez headed home the winner in the second minute of added time, guiding in a cross from Lautaro Martinez.
Messi’s goal was his eighth of the tournament, moving him clear at the top of the Golden Boot standings. Egypt protested for a VAR review over a foul in the build-up to Fernandez’s winner, and a member of their coaching staff was shown a red card, but the goal stood.
The result extends Argentina’s bid to become the first team to win consecutive World Cups since Brazil in 1962. The defending champions were also pushed to their limits in an earlier tie against Cape Verde.
Argentina will now face the winner of Switzerland and Colombia, who play later on Tuesday, in the quarter-finals. Egypt’s World Cup campaign ends at the last-16 stage.
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