Egypt cries foul after controversial World Cup loss to Argentina

Egypt's stunning 3-2 round-of-16 loss to Argentina on Tuesday has been overshadowed by accusations of biased officiating. Egypt led 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining but conceded three goals in a dramatic comeback. The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said it "cannot remain silent" about what it called unfair decisions, particularly the disallowance of a goal after a VAR review for a foul in the buildup, and a penalty not awarded Source: AP News. FIFA's chief of refereeing Pierluigi Collina defended the decisions, saying "unfounded allegations have no place in our sport" and that the VAR intervention was correct Source: NPR.

The controversy adds to tensions around the tournament after U.S. President Donald Trump's intervention in a red-card case. Coach Hossam Hassan alleged "the match was rigged" and that officials favored Argentina to keep Lionel Messi in the competition Source: DW News. Egyptian players and staff were incensed, with goalkeeping coach Saafan Elsaghir shown a red card after the final whistle Source: AP News.

Meanwhile, hundreds of fans in Gaza watched the game among rubble, waving Egyptian flags Source: BBC. Despite the defeat, the EFA extended Hassan's contract through 2030, citing the team's successful campaign Source: CNA. Argentina advances to face Switzerland in the quarterfinals.