“This Was Clearly a Rigged Match”
The match in Atlanta saw Egypt take a commanding 2-0 lead through headers from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko before Argentina mounted a historic comeback — the first time in World Cup history a team has rallied from two goals down in the 75th minute or later to win in regulation. Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi, and Enzo Fernandez scored in the final 14 minutes to send the defending champions through. sports.yahoo.com nytimes.com tbsnews.net
Egypt’s fury centers on two key decisions: a disallowed goal by Ziko following a VAR review that cited a foul in the build-up, and an unchecked penalty appeal deep in stoppage time after Hamdy Fathy appeared to be fouled in the area. Argentina scored the winner on the ensuing attack. tbsnews.net
Head coach Hossam Hassan was unsparing in his criticism. “I will say what’s on my mind regardless of the consequence; this was clearly a rigged match, and the whole world saw it,” he said after the game. “If they want them to win so bad, why call everyone to come and participate?” tbsnews.net
Ziko echoed his coach: “Congratulations to Argentina on the World Cup; the tournament was rigged; they didn’t need anything else.” tbsnews.net
FIFA Opens Investigation
The Egyptian Football Association lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, while Al Jazeera reported the VAR decisions raised broader questions about the tournament’s legitimacy. A Mexican referee publicly attempted to explain the VAR error, according to Marca. FIFA has reportedly opened an investigation into the match officiating. aljazeera.com marca.com instagram.com legit.ng
Pride Despite Heartbreak
Despite the bitter exit, Egypt’s campaign has drawn widespread praise. For the first time in World Cup history, Egypt won a match in the competition, advanced beyond the group stage, and progressed through the first knockout round. France 24 reported scenes of celebration mixed with tears among Egyptian supporters, noting the team had rewritten “the nation’s footballing history.” france24.com
The Confederation of African Football praised the Pharaohs for their tournament performance, while Al Jazeera noted tributes pouring in from fans across the Arab world, including in Gaza. Hassan, despite his anger at the officiating, said he was proud of his players’ achievements. aljazeera.com english.ahram.org.eg legit.ng
Argentina, meanwhile, advance to face the quarterfinal winner of Switzerland’s match against Colombia. sports.yahoo.com
