Argentina staged an improbable comeback Tuesday, scoring three goals in the final 11 minutes of regulation to defeat Egypt 3-2 and secure a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals. The victory keeps alive Argentina's bid to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cup titles since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
Enzo Fernández scored the winning goal in stoppage time, capping a remarkable turnaround that began with a Cristian Romero header in the 79th minute. Lionel Messi equalized in the 83rd minute, scoring his eighth goal of the tournament.
"We have a phenomenal group, a group that never gives up no matter the difficulties and adversity. We’re always together," Fernández said after the match. "The heart of Argentinians is always something that pushes, that we keep going no matter what, that we give everything until the end."
Egypt had taken a surprising 2-0 lead with goals from Yasser Ibrahim in the 15th minute and Mostafa Zico in the 67th minute. A potential third Egyptian goal was disallowed following a video review for a foul earlier in the play.
Argentina had an opportunity to pull a goal back earlier in the match when Messi was awarded a penalty in the first half. However, Egypt's goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir saved the attempt, marking Messi's second penalty miss of the tournament. Messi also hit the post later in the half.
"I’m so emotional," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. "What a group of players, brother."
Argentina will advance to play either Switzerland or Colombia on Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri.
This latest dramatic victory adds to Argentina's history of memorable World Cup performances, including a 3-2 win over West Germany in the 1986 final and a 3-3 draw followed by a shootout victory against France in the previous World Cup. In the last round, Argentina also overcame a deficit to defeat Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time.