Play store
Argentina fell behind 1-0 to Egypt at halftime in their Round of 16 clash, putting the defending champions under unexpected pressure.
Despite dominating possession and creating more chances, Argentina trailed after Ibrahim headed home in the 15th minute from an Atia cross following a short corner routine.
It marked the first time Argentina had conceded a first-half goal at the World Cup since their 4-3 defeat to France in the Round of 16 at the 2018 tournament in Russia.
Argentina had a golden opportunity to level in the 21st minute after being awarded a penalty, but Lionel Messi failed to convert from the spot as Egyptian goalkeeper Shobair produced a fine save.
The South Americans continued to press for an equaliser. In the 28th minute, Rodrigo De Paul’s curling cross found Alexis Mac Allister in the middle of the box, but the Liverpool midfielder’s header was comfortably collected by Shobair.
Another clear chance came in the 39th minute when Nicolás Tagliafico’s cutback found Julián Álvarez, whose first-time effort looked destined for the net. However, Shobair made another outstanding save, diving low to his left to push the shot wide and preserve Egypt’s lead going into the break.
