Argentina complete stunning comeback against Egypt to reach quarterfinals

Argentina staged a stunning comeback at the World Cup round of 16 as the defending champion came from two goals down to edge past Egypt 3-2 and reach the quarterfinals here on Tuesday, reported Xinhua.

Argentina was pushed to extra time by tournament debutant Cabo Verde in the round of 32 before securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory, as an own goal in the 111th minute proved decisive after the African side produced a spirited display. Egypt, meanwhile, edged past Australia 4-2 on penalties to reach the round of 16 after the teams were locked at 1-1 following extra time.

Egypt took the game to the defending champion from the opening whistle, showing little fear as the two sides were evenly matched in terms of possession.

In the 15th minute, a defensive lapse in Argentina's backline allowed Egypt defender Yasser Ibrahim to head home the opener from a cross.

In the 19th minute, Nicolas Tagliafico was brought down inside the box to win a penalty. Lionel Messi stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his effort was saved by Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir.

Roared on by its fans, Argentina intensified its attacking pressure and pushed forward in search of an equalizer. In the 30th minute, Messi's free kick rattled the post before Julian Alvarez's close-range effort was denied by Shoubir nine minutes later.

After the restart, the situation went from bad to worse for Argentina. Despite launching wave after wave of attacks, it struggled to break down Egypt's resolute defense, while Egypt continued to threaten Argentina's goal on the counterattack.

In the 58th minute, Egypt thought it had doubled its lead through a counterattack, but VAR ruled the goal out after Marwan Attia was found to have committed a foul in the build-up.

Egypt's game plan finally paid off as forward Mostafa Zico struck on the counterattack to double its advantage and make it 2-0 in the 67th minute.

With its back against the wall, Argentina launched a furious comeback, with Cristian Romero pulling one back with a powerful header to give his side hope. Messi then leveled the score by firing home from a goalmouth scramble inside the box.

In stoppage time, Enzo Fernandez struck on the counterattack to seal a remarkable comeback victory for Argentina.

Argentina shall take on the winner of the match between Switzerland and Colombia.