By FRANCIS JOSEPH
An amazing three goals in 11 minutes saved defending champions Argentina from major embarrassment at the Atlanta Stadium on Tuesday afternoon in the Round of 16 play-offs at the FIFA World Cup.
It was one of the most amazing comebacks in international football as it seemed that Argentina was heading out of the tournament. At the 79th minute, Egypt was leading 2-0 and all the commentators were already condemning Argentina to the airport for their trip back home.
Egypt opened the scoring in the 15th minute through Yasser Ibrahim. Super Star Lionel Messi had the chance to equalize, but he missed a penalty. He placed the ball in the right corner only for the Egyptian goalkeeper to make a spectacular save.
The score at half time remained at 1-0. In the second half, both teams went at it.
Egypt went two up in the 67th minute through Mostafa Ziko. While the Egypt supporters were celebrating, the Argentina fans looked defeated.
But with Messi in your team, it is never say die.
In the 79th minute, Christian Romero rose to head home to make it 2-1. And Messi produced his eighth goal of the World Cup in the 83rd minute to make it 2-2. With seven minutes of added on time, both team went for the kill. But it was Argentina who broke the deadlock in the 90th minute through a strike from Enzo Fernandez.
Messi could not contain his excitement. He was literally in tears. This was the greatest comeback from a team which looked defeated up to the 79th minute.
Argentina now await the winner of the Colombia/Switzerland match for the quarter finals on July 11.
