ARGENTINA have fought back from the brink of a shock World Cup exit to beat Egypt 3-2 in the last-16.
The African nation took a shock 2-0 lead before Cristian Romero sparked the dramatic turnaround in the 79th minute.
Lionel Messi made up for his missed penalty as his stunner made it 2-2 before Enzo Fernandez’s header capped off a superb counter to complete one of the all-time great World Cup comebacks.
- Match result: Argentina 3-2 Egypt
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Argentina with stunning comeback
Digital JournalistThat is why they are world champions.
Two goals down with just eleven minutes left in the game, Argentina manage to find three goals to turn it around.
Egypt are left stunned, wondering what just hit them.
Argentina 3 – 2 Egypt
FULL-TIME!
Argentina beat Egypt 3-2 in a thrilling encounter.
Argentina 3 – 2 Egypt
The Argentina bench is practically on the pitch as they await the final whistle.
There was a large stoppage after Fernandez’s goal, so the referee will add a few more minutes.
Yellow Card
Argentina 3 – 2 Egypt
Egypt · Midfielder · #19YELLOW CARD!
Attia goes into the referee’s book for a tactical foul on Lautaro Martinez.
Heartbreak for Egyptians in Atlanta
Digital JournalistThe Pharaohs have completely imploded here.
A counter-attack from Argentina has caught Egypt out.
As the cross comes into the back post, Fernandez deftly heads it into the far corner to give the defending champions a potential late-winner.
Absolute drama as it all kicks off and a coach from Egyptian bench is enraged and receives a red card.
Substitution
Argentina 3 – 2 Egypt
Egypt · Midfielder · #25
Egypt · Midfielder · #17SUB: Egypt make a change as Zizo replaces Lasheen, hoping for a late twist.
Substitution
Argentina 3 – 2 Egypt
Argentina · Defender · #19
Argentina · Defender · #13SUB: Otamendi replaces Romero, who started this ridiculous comeback for Argentina.
The experienced defender comes on.
Substitution
Argentina 3 – 2 Egypt
Argentina · Defender · #25
Argentina · Attacker · #9SUB: Scaloni makes a defensive change, bringing on Medina for Alvarez.
Yellow Card
Argentina 3 – 2 Egypt
Egypt · Midfielder · #14YELLOW CARD!
Fathy is booked for protesting Argentina’s third goal, along with his goalkeeper.
Yellow Card
Argentina 3 – 2 Egypt
Egypt · Goalkeeper · #26YELLOW CARD!
Egypt goalkeeper Shobeir is booked in the aftermath of the goal.
Argentina 3 – 2 Egypt
Argentina · Attacker · #22Martinez was sent on by Scaloni with the objective of scoring, but instead he provides what could be the winning assist!
Unbelievable scenes in Atlanta!
Goooooaaaal!
Argentina 3 – 2 Egypt
Argentina · Midfielder · #24GOAL!
ARGENTINA COMPLETE THE COMEBACK!
ENZO FERNANDEZ IN STOPPAGE TIME!
Alvarez sends Lautaro Martinez down the right wing with a long ball.
The Inter forward takes his time before crossing, finding Fernandez, who nestles his header into the far corner.
It’s 3-2 to Argentina!
Argentina 2 – 2 Egypt
Egypt have another great chance on the counter, outnumbering the Argentina defenders, but Paredes makes a superb challenge to halt the attack!
Argentina 2 – 2 Egypt
Seven minutes of added time will be played in the second half.
Argentina 2 – 2 Egypt
Lautaro Martinez draws a foul from Hafez on the right wing and is not happy with the Egypt defender.
Messi takes the free-kick, but Shobeir punches his cross away.
Argentina 2 – 2 Egypt
The noise inside Atlanta Stadium is incredible!
Argentina fans are singing with everything they have, looking to inspire their team to a winner.
Cometh the moment, cometh the man
Digital JournalistArgentina are back on level terms after two goals in just four minutes.
As a second ball drops in the box, Messi catches it sweetly on the half-volley.
Shobeir gets a touch but it strikes the underside of the crossbar and into the back of the net as the Argentine support erupts.
Argentina 2 – 2 Egypt
Messi makes history!
He’s the first player to score in six consecutive World Cup knockout matches.
Can he grab a winner now?
Argentina 2 – 2 Egypt
Argentina · Defender · #4Montiel makes the smart choice to pass to Messi instead of shooting on the turn himself.
A huge assist from the substitute!
Goooooaaaal!
Argentina 2 – 2 Egypt
Argentina · Attacker · #10GOAL!
MESSI EQUALISES!
Egypt fail to clear a cross, Montiel tees up Messi, and the Argentina captain makes no mistake with a first-time strike.
Shobeir parries it onto the crossbar and in!
It’s 2-2!
Argentina keep slim hopes alive
Digital JournalistWhat an end we are going to have to this match in Atlanta.
Messi swings in a cross and Egypt take their eye off the ball not picking up their markers.
Romero ghosts in to head home and ask some serious questions of the mental toughness of this Egypt team with time running out.
Argentina 1 – 2 Egypt
Messi is feeling himself now!
He drives to the byline and finds Lautaro Martinez with a cross, but the striker heads wide.
Egypt are feeling the pressure!
Substitution
Argentina 1 – 2 Egypt
Egypt · Attacker · #22
Egypt · Attacker · #11SUB: Egypt respond to Argentina’s goal with a change as Marmoush replaces Zico.
Argentina 1 – 2 Egypt
Argentina · Attacker · #10After two poor crosses, Messi’s third delivery finds Romero, who makes no mistake with his header.
Can the Argentina captain conjure one more moment of magic?
Yellow Card
Argentina 3 – 2 Egypt
YELLOW CARD!
Haissem Yousry Fouad Hassan is booked.