Egypt’s heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to reigning world champions Argentina within the FIFA World Cup final 16 has been overshadowed by fierce criticism of the match officers, with head coach Hossam Hassan accusing the refereeing group of denying his aspect a spot within the quarter-finals.
The Pharaohs appeared set for one of many best victories of their soccer historical past after opening a two-goal lead towards Argentina. As an alternative, they conceded three objectives within the closing phases because the South Individuals accomplished a shocking comeback.
However Egypt insist the outcome tells solely a part of the story.
Their largest grievance got here when Mostafa Zico’s second-half aim was dominated out after the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) judged that midfielder Marwan Attia had fouled Lisandro Martínez in the course of the build-up. The choice prevented Egypt from extending their lead earlier than Argentina’s late revival.
Moments earlier than Argentina’s stoppage-time winner, Egypt additionally appealed for a penalty after Mohamed Salah went to floor contained in the field. Play continued and not using a VAR evaluate, permitting Argentina to launch the assault that ended with Enzo Fernández heading house the successful aim.
An emotional Hassan didn’t conceal his frustration after the ultimate whistle.
“We have now been handled unfairly,” he mentioned.
“There have been lots of issues to query each on and off the pitch. We suffered injustice. Maybe they wished to maintain the world champions within the competitors. Maybe they wished Messi to stay within the match.”
The Egypt coach additionally questioned why Salah’s penalty enchantment was not reviewed whereas VAR intervened to disallow his group’s second aim.
“We haven’t seen respect or truthful play,” Hassan added. “Our aim was dominated out, but the penalty incident involving Salah wasn’t even checked. All of us noticed his shirt being pulled.”
The controversy overshadowed what had been one in every of Egypt’s most interesting World Cup performances. Defender Yasser Ibrahim gave the Pharaohs the lead, whereas goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced a superb penalty save to disclaim Lionel Messi.
Nonetheless, Argentina fought again by means of Cristian Romero, Messi and Fernández to grab victory and a spot within the quarter-finals.
Whereas Argentina celebrated one other well-known comeback, Egypt left the match believing controversial officiating performed a decisive position in ending their World Cup dream. The controversy surrounding the VAR choices is now prone to proceed lengthy after the ultimate whistle.
