Argentina 3-2 Egypt Match Report: 13 Minute Comeback Breaks Egyptian Hearts As Argentina Progress To Final Eight

The first ten minutes saw both sides struggle to get out of first gear with misplaced passes and poor decisions meaning neither side could create any major chances. That was until the 15th minute when Marwan Ateya whipped an outswinging cross to the back post. 

Centreback Yasser Ibrahim escaped the watch of Lisandro Martinez as he rose to meet the cross with a brilliant header back across the goal finding the far corner as Emiliano Martinez was left helpless. Egypt took a shock lead, but it certainly wasn't undeserved.

Argentinian relentlessness followed, as Nicolas Tagliafico made a darting run into the box where he was found with a through ball from Enzo Fernandez. The tracking run and lunging challenge of Haissem Hassan brought down the Lyon fullback leaving the referee with no option but to blow for an Argentina penalty with 19 minutes played. 0-1.

Lionel Messi claimed the ball with redemption on his mind after his group stage penalty miss against Austria after a stuttering run up. The 39-year-old opted for a more direct approach this time with no stutter, shooting to Mostafa Ahmed Shobeir's right. But the Egyptian shot-stopper was ready, stretching to his right and making a monumental save.

The remainder of the first half saw more pressure from Lionel Scaloni's side with a headed attempt from Alexis Mac Allister forcing a great save from Shobeir, shortly followed by a Messi free kick from distance striking the upper left post.

Argentina's biggest chance came with Julian Alvarez, who was found by Tagliafico getting on the end of a diagonal ball cutting it back to the Atletico Madrid striker. Alvarez's effort aimed low and right was saved once again by Shobeir, who did somehow managed to get low and across his goal with a brilliant stop.

The Pharaohs led at half time leaving the Argentinians trailing at the midway point of a World Cup game for the first time since 2010 against Germany.

The second half continued to entertain and despite having a lead to defend, it was the Egyptians who saw the most action in front of goal before the second hydration break. An electric counter attack in the 58th minute saw the ball poked home by Mostafa Ziko after an inspiring run from Hassan, but it was chalked off due to a foul on Lisandro Martinez in the build up.

This did not stop the Egyptian momentum as the Pharaohs once again broke free on the counter with Mohamed Salah bursting forward, finding Hassan who drove to the byline, crossing to Ziko who got infant of Lisandro Martinez to stab the ball into the back of the net with 67 minutes played. 0-2.

Finally the Argentines responded, through Cristian Romero who managed to get on the end of a Messi cross with a strong header in the 79th minute. A firm hand from Shobeir wasn't enough to keep out the Spurs centre back's effort. 1-2.

Only four minutes later, Scaloni's men found the equaliser through none other than Lionel Messi. It was his initial cross which eventually landed at the feet of Gonzalo Montiel. the Substitute set the ball ahead of Messi to strike on the half volley. Again, Shobeir got a hand to it but the raw power was too much to keep out as it struck the bar and crossed the line. 2-2.

A crucial interception in the 91st minute from Leandro Paredes to stop an Egypt counter attack kept the game alive. With 92 minutes on the clock, the comeback was complete. Lautaro Martinez broke free on the right hand side who waited patiently to cross to Enzo Fernandez who escaped his marker and placed a beautiful header across the goal into the far corner. 3-2 to the Argentines.

Egyptian protests for a foul in the build-up were dismissed by the referee as yellow cards were dished out and a red for one of the Egyptian coaching staff. The Argentines saw the game out to the final whistle in yet another iconic World Cup game for La Albiceleste.

Heartbreak for the Egyptians who were inches away from a historic World Cup upset and first ever quarter final match. Argentina will now face either Switzerland or Colombia in the last eight after an incredible comeback proving why they are the reigning champions.