Egypt’s historic World Cup run ended in the round of 16 after they lost 3-2 to defending champions Argentina despite taking a two-goal lead.
Egypt’s historic World Cup campaign ended after they lost 3-2 to defending champions Argentina in the round of 16 in Atlanta.
Hossam Hassan’s side led 2-0 through goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico, but Argentina scored three times in the final minutes to reach the quarter-finals.
Ibrahim opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a header from Marwan Attia’s corner. Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir then saved a Lionel Messi penalty as Argentina pushed for an equaliser before halftime.
Zico had a goal ruled out by VAR in the second half before scoring in the 67th minute after a counterattack involving Mohamed Salah and Haissem Hassan.
Cristian Romero pulled one back for Argentina in the 79th minute, heading in from Messi’s delivery. Messi equalised four minutes later before Enzo Fernandez scored the winner in stoppage time.
Egypt exit after their deepest World Cup run. They drew with Belgium and Iran, beat New Zealand for their first World Cup win, then defeated Australia on penalties to reach the last 16.
The defeat ended an unbeaten run at the tournament for Egypt, who had reached the knockout rounds for the first time.
Argentina will face either Switzerland or Colombia in the quarter-finals.