In a stunning reversal on Tuesday, Argentina escaped elimination from the World Cup with a 3-2 victory over Egypt, scoring three goals in the final 11 minutes of regulation and stoppage time. The defending champions will now face Switzerland in the quarterfinals on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
Egypt had dominated much of the match, taking a 2-0 lead through goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico. The North African side could have extended its advantage to 3-0, but a video review disallowed a second goal for Zico after a foul was detected in the buildup. Argentina, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm, and Lionel Messi saw a first-half penalty saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir — his second missed spot kick of the tournament.
With 11 minutes left in regulation, Cristian Romero headed in from a corner to halve the deficit. Messi then equalized in the 83rd minute, scoring his eighth goal of the tournament and a record-extending 21st at World Cups. Enzo Fernandez completed the comeback in stoppage time, sparking emotional scenes as Messi was lifted into the air by teammates.
“The heart of Argentinians is always something that pushes, that we keep going no matter what,” striker Julian Alvarez said. “There was little time left, but we always manage to get something more by fighting until the end.”
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan was less conciliatory, arguing that his team should have been awarded a penalty before Argentina’s winning goal. “We looked better compared to the reigning champions. We were better in everything, but the result,” he said. “I’m not convinced with this outcome. I’m not convinced with the way things unfolded during this match. We have been treated unfairly today. We have suffered injustice.”
Switzerland Edges Colombia in Shootout
Switzerland reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954, beating Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes. Gregor Kobel saved Cucho Hernández’s attempt, and Davinson Sánchez sent his penalty over the bar, allowing Ruben Vargas to convert the decisive spot kick.
The Swiss were without young midfielder Johan Manzambi, who was injured in training on Monday. Vargas, who has scored two goals in the tournament, left Monday’s training early but came on in stoppage time at the end of regulation.
Colombia, which failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, had been aiming to match its best performance — a quarterfinal appearance in 2014, where it lost to host Brazil. Switzerland now faces a formidable challenge against Argentina, which has shown resilience despite Messi’s penalty struggles — he has now missed four of eight World Cup spot kicks.
The quarterfinal lineup also includes Belgium, which defeated the USA 4-1, and Spain, which eliminated Portugal. England advanced after a dramatic win in Mexico City, and Morocco reached the last eight with a 3-0 victory over Canada.
