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Rabat – Argentina survived a major scare against Egypt, completing a dramatic comeback to win 3-2 and reach the World Cup quarterfinals.
Egypt looked close to one of the biggest upsets of the tournament after taking a 2-0 lead in Atlanta.
Yasser Ibrahim opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a header, giving Egypt a dream start against the defending champions.
Argentina then had a chance to equalize from the penalty spot, but Mostafa Shobeir denied Lionel Messi in the 21st minute.
The Egyptian goalkeeper guessed correctly and dived to his left, keeping Egypt in front and adding another major moment to his impressive World Cup campaign.
Egypt push Argentina to the edge
Egypt continued to frustrate Argentina after the break.
Mostafa Zico doubled the lead in the 67th minute after a quick attacking move involving Mohamed Salah and Haissem Hassan.
At that moment, Argentina were close to elimination.
The world champions had already struggled in the previous round against Cape Verde, and Egypt appeared ready to deliver another historic African moment at the tournament.
But Argentina responded with the character that has defined Lionel Scaloni’s team in recent years.
Cristian Romero pulled one goal back in the 79th minute, heading in from a Messi cross.
Messi then made up for his missed penalty by scoring the equalizer in the 84th minute with a powerful finish.
Enzo Fernandez completes comeback
Argentina completed the remontada in stoppage time.
Enzo Fernandez scored in the 92nd minute to make it 3-2 and send Argentina into the quarterfinals.
The goal broke Egyptian hearts after a brave performance from Hossam Hassan’s team.
Egypt had defended with discipline, attacked with speed, and forced Argentina into one of their hardest matches of the tournament.
But Argentina’s late pressure proved too much.
The win keeps Argentina’s title defense alive and sends them into the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of Switzerland and Colombia.
For Egypt, the defeat will be painful after coming so close to a historic qualification.
For Argentina, it was another reminder that their World Cup run is becoming more difficult with every round.
But once again, Messi and his teammates found a way to survive.
