‘The competition is fixed’: Egypt striker says ‘blatant injustice’ after Argentina defeat | Football News


'The competition is fixed': Egypt striker says 'blatant injustice' after Argentina defeat
Lionel Messi of Argentina fights for the ball with Mostafa Zico of Egypt. (AP Photo)

Egypt’s Mostafa Ziko lashed out at the match officials following their heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Argentina in the defending FIFA World Cup Round of 16.Egypt appeared to be one of the worst in World Cup history after taking a 2-0 lead in the 67th minute. However, Argentina came back late on, with Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez scoring within 13 minutes to send the three-time national champions into the quarter-finals.One of the most famous moments of the tournament came early in the second half when Ziko found the net, his goal disallowed after a VAR review. The authorities ruled that the Egyptian player was guilty of misconduct during the construction. Although Ziko later scored, the rejection proved to be the most important moment of the match.Speaking to the radio station after the final whistle, an emotional Ziko questioned the manager and said the result was affected by the players.“There is no justice, no justice, referee, no justice. Injustice, obvious and obvious injustice. He is ruining the efforts of the whole country. From the beginning of the game, he was against us. We are not allowed to leave as 2-0 winners against Argentina. This competition is permanent. God is enough for us, and He is the best destroyer of things.”The Egyptian player also apologized to his fans, insisting that the players will do their best.“We wanted to make them happy today. We couldn’t. But I swear it was out of our hands. It is in the hands of the players. The race is fixed, it remains to be seen.”Egypt got off to a dream start when Yasser Ibrahim headed home from Marwan Attia’s corner in the 15th minute. Argentina had a chance to reply after Nicolas Tagliafico won a penalty, but goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir made a good save to deny Messi from there.Shobeir continued to frustrate the defenders by denying efforts from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez, while Messi again hit the crossbar with a free-kick as Egypt won 1-0 after the break.The Pharaohs believed they had extended their lead soon after Ziko’s restart, but VAR intervened to deny the goal. Egypt responded well, however, and eventually made it 2-0 in the 67th minute Mohamed Salah and Haissem Hassan joined forces to establish the Center to complete the hospital.Argentina’s response was swift. Romero headed in Messi’s free-kick in the 79th minute to reduce the deficit before Messi converted four minutes later with a powerful strike that went under the crossbar after brushing the goalkeeper’s gloves.With extra-time approaching, Enzo Fernandez completed a dramatic change in stoppage time, finishing narrowly into the bottom corner after hitting a loose ball on the edge of the box.Argentina’s 3-2 victory secured their place in the quarter-finals, where they will face the winners of the Round of 16 meetings between Switzerland and Colombia on July 8.



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