A potential second goal for Egypt against Argentina in a World Cup round of 16 match was controversially disallowed following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, leading to debate among analysts and sparking strong reactions from the Egyptian side. The incident occurred in the 58th minute when midfielder Mostafa Zico appeared to score, which would have given Egypt a 2-0 lead.
VAR intervened, and the goal was ultimately disallowed after a review determined that Egyptian midfielder Marawan Attia fouled Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez. However, the alleged foul occurred while Argentina was on the attack, prompting questions about the VAR's scope and application in this instance.
FOX Sports analyst Rob Green expressed skepticism about the review, stating, "Surely, this is not within VAR's [realm] to review this. It's a full length of the pitch away." He argued that a minor contact, occurring roughly 100 yards from the goal, should not have warranted VAR intervention, especially when the on-field referee had not initially called a foul.
Conversely, FOX Sports soccer officiating expert Dr. Joe Machnik maintained that the protocol allows for goals to be disallowed if they result from an attacking phase that included a foul. "A foul in the attacking phase of play, which leads to a goal or possession by the team that [scores] a goal can result in the goal being disallowed and being given a free kick," Machnik explained.
Former FIFA referee Mark Clattenburg also weighed in, disagreeing with both the foul call and the VAR review. "I don't believe that A. it was a foul and B. there should be a VAR intervention to disallow this goal," Clattenburg stated. He pointed to a perceived lack of consistency in VAR's application throughout the tournament, noting that similar physical challenges had been allowed to stand. Clattenburg further argued that the considerable distance and time between the incident and the disallowed goal – approximately 10 seconds and three-quarters of the field – fell outside the intended scope of VAR intervention, suggesting the review looked too deeply into the play.
Despite the disallowed goal, Zico scored again for Egypt in the 67th minute. Argentina, however, mounted a comeback, scoring in the 79th minute and then equalizing in the 83rd minute. The disallowed goal loomed large in the context of the match's outcome.
Machnik elaborated on the protocol, emphasizing that VAR is designed to prevent goals scored immediately after a foul that led to the possession. "As long as the one team didn’t regain possession or make a play, that possession was cleanly gained from the foul and that foul led to possession that led to the goal. It fulfills the protocol, and that’s why it was disallowed," he said. He acknowledged that VAR can sometimes detract from the game's excitement but is intended to correct clear errors.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan voiced his strong disagreement with the decision, stating his team had been treated unfairly and suffered injustice. "I’m not convinced with this outcome. I’m not convinced with the way things unfolded during this match," Hassan said, per The Associated Press.