Argentina managed to overturn a 0-2 deficit in the World Cup Round of 16 against Egypt, ultimately securing a dramatic 3-2 victory that sends them through to the quarterfinals.
The underdog started the match well on Tuesday in Atlanta. Yasser Ibrahim scored the opening goal for Egypt with a header in the 15th minute. A significant opportunity for a quick equalizer slipped away from Lionel Messi, whose penalty in the 21st minute was saved by goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubeir. Throughout the match, the defending champion dictated much of the action but repeatedly fell short against the resolute Egyptian keeper. Messi also managed only to hit the post from a free-kick.
After halftime, Egypt seemed on track for a 2-0 lead early on, but a goal by Mostafa Zico, scored following a foul, was disallowed after a video review. However, Zico leveled his presumed advantage minutes later, scoring legitimately from a counter-attack in the 67th minute, pushing the score to 2-0.
Despite the deficit, Argentina refused to give up. Cristian Romero chipped in to reduce the gap to 1-2 via a header from a Messi cross in the 79th minute. Moments before the end, Messi leveled the scores in the 84th minute with his eighth tournament goal.
In stoppage time, the defending champion delivered the complete turnaround. Enzo Fernandez headed home a goal in the second minute of added time from a cross by Lautaro Martinez, making the score 3-2. This result ensures Argentina’s progress to the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the still-pending contest between Switzerland and Colombia.
