Comeback in Atlanta
The Argentina National Team got its ticket to the quarterfinals of the World Cup after beating Egypt 3-2 in a round of 16 match played in Atlanta, United States. The victory was defined with a spectacular somersault in the final minutes.
Egypt surprised from the beginning. A few minutes later, Yasser Ibrahim gained position in the aerial game over Lisandro Martínez and connected with a header to the far post to open the scoring. Argentina had the opportunity to equalize with a penalty, but Lionel Messi failed due to a great intervention by Mostafa Shobeir.
The Albiceleste kept the pressure on. Shots by Alexis Mac Allister and Julián Álvarez were stopped by Shobeir, who emerged as a partial figure. In the second half, Egypt extended its advantage: Mohamed Salah and Hassan created a counterattack that Mostafa Ziko finished for 0-2.
When the outlook seemed adverse for the world champions, the reaction came. In the 79th minute, Cristian Romero connected with a cross from Messi and scored. Four minutes later, Messi redeemed himself from his missed penalty and scored the equalizer that unleashed euphoria.
The outcome came in stoppage time. At 90+3′, Enzo Fernández appeared in the area to seal the final victory. Argentina thus places itself among the eight best teams in the tournament.
