Egyptian football star Mostafa Ziko has made explosive allegations, suggesting that Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt in the World Cup was manipulated. Amid the thrilling match in Atlanta, Georgia, Argentina, the reigning champions, faced a 2-0 deficit but managed a remarkable comeback, scoring three goals to secure the win and advance in the tournament. The game, however, was marred by controversy.
Egypt expressed frustration over a VAR ruling that disallowed a goal due to a perceived foul on Nicolas Tagliafico and a non-call for a penalty just before Argentina’s winning goal. Ziko, who scored Egypt’s second goal, did not hold back in his criticism, stating, “It was a rigged game. It wasn’t our fault. That referee… it seems like this match was rigged. We were winning 2-0, and he kept coming at us. Congratulations to Argentina on another World Cup, it seems.”
Off the field, two officials from the United States men’s national team faced suspensions following their defeat to Belgium. FIFA announced the bans on its website, targeting team manager Sam Zapatka and US Soccer’s vice president of security, Frank Pannell.
The upcoming quarter-finals feature France against Morocco at Boston Stadium at 9 pm tomorrow, with France being the favorites led by Kylian Mbappe’s pursuit of the golden boot title.
In a separate incident, England midfielder Jordan Henderson suffered a serious forearm injury during celebrations after their 3-2 win over Mexico. Henderson required surgery in Kansas City after fracturing his forearm and will be sidelined for the upcoming matches. His father confirmed the severity of the injury, stating that Henderson will remain with the team until the end of the tournament.
The latest World Cup news also includes two US football officials being suspended after the USA’s defeat to Belgium, overshadowed by the controversial presence of Folarin Balogun on the pitch. Belgium’s victory led to a mocking reference to Donald Trump, and it garnered record television viewership in the US.
All eight teams have advanced to the quarter-finals after a competitive round of 16 matches. The quarter-final schedule is as follows:
– France vs. Morocco on Thursday, July 9, at 9 pm
– Spain vs. Belgium on Friday, July 10, at 8 am
– Norway vs. England on Saturday, July 11, at 10 pm
– Argentina vs. Switzerland on Sunday, July 12, at 2 am.
