RIYADH: Egypt’s hopes of securing one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history ended in heartbreak after a dramatic and controversial defeat to Argentina, with referee Francois Letexier coming under heavy criticism from fans and players alike.
Refereeing Decisions Spark Outrage
The match was overshadowed by several contentious officiating calls that many believed favored the reigning world champions. leading 1-0 at the time, thought they had doubled their advantage, only for the goal to be disallowed following a VAR review for an earlier foul near the touchline.
Tensions escalated further in stoppage time when Mohamed Salah appeared to be fouled inside Argentina’s penalty area, but no penalty was awarded. Argentina immediately launched a counterattack and scored the decisive winner. The decisions triggered angry reactions from the Egyptian bench, resulting in yellow cards for Hamdi Fathy, Mostafa Shobeir, and head coach Hossam Hassan, while assistant coach Mohamed Abdel Wahed was sent off.
Supporters also vented their frustration on social media, accusing the referee of inconsistent decision-making and claiming Egypt had been denied a fair chance to make history.
Egypt Produce Courageous Display
It made a fearless start and deservedly took the lead in the 11th minute of extra time when Marwan Attia’s precise cross found Yasser Ibrahim, who headed past Emiliano Martinez.
Argentina had an opportunity to equalize shortly afterward when they were awarded a penalty, but Lionel Messi failed to convert as goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced a brilliant save. Shobeir continued to frustrate the South Americans with a series of outstanding stops, denying Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Messi during a dominant spell by Argentina.
Drama in the Second Half
Egypt believed they had doubled their lead through Zico early in the second half, but the effort was ruled out after another VAR intervention. The forward eventually found the net again, this time legally, firing home from Haissem Hassan’s cross to put Egypt 2-0 ahead.
Argentina responded strongly as Cristian Romero pulled one back before Messi equalized after Lautaro Martinez’s layoff, despite another effort from Shobeir to keep the ball out.
Late Collapse Ends Egypt’s Dream
With Egypt pushing forward in search of a winner, Salah was dispossessed in a controversial incident inside the Argentina box during stoppage time. Argentina capitalized immediately, and Enzo Fernandez’s cross was headed home by Lautaro Martinez to complete an astonishing comeback.
The victory marked Argentina’s first-ever recovery from a two-goal deficit in a World Cup match, while Egypt were left to reflect on a courageous performance overshadowed by refereeing controversies that many believe altered the course of the contest.
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