The goals, minute by minute
- 15'Yasser IbrahimGoal · 0-1
- 67'Mostafa ZicoGoal · 0-2
- 79'Cristian RomeroGoal · 1-2
- 83'Lionel MessiGoal · 2-2
- 90'+2'Enzo FernándezGoal · 3-2
The preview
Written before the match. We've left it as it was, even where the game said otherwise.
Context
Argentina (1st Group J, world champions) vs Egypt (2nd Group G) · knockout
Team level
Argentina: reigning champions, pedigree and Messi; struggled vs Cape Verde but went through.
Egypt: organised with Salah as their big card, but weaker squad overall.
Key factors
- Argentina is clearly superior in names and know-how.
- Egypt sits deep and trusts Salah on the counter.
- If Argentina plays to its level, it controls the tie.
Prediction
Result in 90': 2-0 (alternative: 2-1 Argentina)
- Argentina win: ~74%
- Draw: ~16%
- Egypt win: ~10%
Advances: Argentina (~80%)
Player to watch: Lionel Messi, the difference-maker (beware Salah).
Final verdict, Confidence: high
Argentina is a heavy favourite on pedigree and depth. Egypt can be a nuisance with
Salah, but an Argentine advance is the most likely outcome.