WC26: Argentina Rallies From Two Goals Down To Beat Egypt 3-2

Enzo Fernandez headed home in the second minute of stoppage time Tuesday, completing one of the great World Cup comebacks as Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2 in Atlanta to reach the quarterfinals. Argentina held a 2.80 to 0.98 edge in xG (expected goals). Argentina trailed 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining before Cristian Romero's header and Lionel Messi's 83rd-minute finish drew the reigning champions level. Fernandez then met Lautaro Martinez's cross to seal a victory that seemed impossible just minutes earlier. Yasser Ibrahim gave Egypt a half-time lead, heading home Marwan Attia's cross ahead of Lisandro Martinez. Messi's penalty was saved by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir before Mostafa Zico had a 58th-minute goal disallowed by VAR, then swept home Haissem Hassan's cutback nine minutes later to double Egypt's advantage. Shobeir had earlier denied Alexis Mac Allister and produced a standout save to turn away Julian Alvarez before Egypt's two-goal cushion ultimately collapsed in the final 11 minutes. Messi's equalizer was his eighth goal of the tournament and 21st in World Cup competition, extending his all-time record. The Argentina captain had also struck the post with a long-range free kick before halftime. Argentina advance to the quarterfinals still in pursuit of a successful title defense, having also required extra time to eliminate Cape Verde in the previous round.