Egypt's Mostafa Ziko Claims World Cup is Fixed After Argentina's Comeback Win

Argentina's Lionel Messi battles for the ball with Egypt's Mostafa Zico. (AP Photo)

Egypt forward Mostafa Ziko launched a scathing attack on the match officials after his side's heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to defending champions Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, claiming the refereeing was unfair and alleging that "the tournament is fixed. "

Egypt appeared on course for one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history after taking a 2-0 lead in the 67th minute. However, Argentina produced a stunning late comeback, with Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez scoring within a 13-minute spell to send the three-time world champions into the quarter-finals.

One of the defining moments of the contest came early in the second half when Ziko found the net, only for the goal to be overturned after a VAR review. Officials ruled that the Egyptian forward had committed a foul in the build-up. Although Ziko later got on the scoresheet, the disallowed effort proved to be a pivotal moment in the match.

Speaking to the broadcaster after the final whistle, an emotional Ziko questioned the officiating and suggested the outcome had been influenced by the referees. "No fair, no fair, referee, no fair. Injustice, clear and obvious injustice. He is wasting the efforts of an entire country. From the start of the match, he was against us. It is not allowed for us to leave as 2-0 winners against Argentina. The tournament is fixed. God is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs."

The Egypt forward also apologised to supporters, insisting the players had done everything they could. "We wanted to make them happy today. We couldn't do that. But I swear it was out of our hands. It is in the referee's hands. The tournament is fixed, it is obvious anyway."

Egypt had made a dream start when Yasser Ibrahim headed home from Marwan Attia's corner in the 15th minute. Argentina had an immediate opportunity to respond after Nicolas Tagliafico won a penalty, but goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced an outstanding save to deny Messi from the spot. Shobeir continued to frustrate the defending champions by keeping out efforts from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez, while Messi also struck the crossbar with a free-kick as Egypt carried a 1-0 advantage into the interval.

The Pharaohs believed they had doubled their lead shortly after the restart through Ziko, but VAR intervened to disallow the goal. Egypt responded positively, though, and finally made it 2-0 in the 67th minute when Mohamed Salah and Haissem Hassan combined to set up Ziko for a clinical finish.

Argentina's response was swift. Romero headed in Messi's free-kick in the 79th minute to reduce the deficit before Messi levelled the scores four minutes later with a powerful strike that went in off the underside of the crossbar after brushing the goalkeeper's gloves.

With extra time approaching, Enzo Fernandez completed the dramatic turnaround in stoppage time, firing a low finish into the bottom corner after latching onto a loose ball at 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 meeting between Switzerland and Colombia on July 8.