Egypt star Mostafa Ziko sensationally claimed Argentina's stunning 3-2 win over the Pharaohs was rigged in the latest World Cup drama, as FIFA quietly issued two new bans.
The reigning world champions were little more than 10 minutes away from being dumped out of the tournament, having gone two goals behind in Atlanta, Georgia. But in one of the most stunning comebacks in World Cup history, Argentina scored three goals to keep their dream of retaining the title alive. The game was not without controversy, however.
Egypt were furious when a goal was ruled out by VAR following an apparent foul on Nicolas Tagliafico, while they were also left outraged by the decision not to award a penalty in the moments before Argentina's winning goal.
Ziko's Explosive Claims
Ziko, who hammered home Egypt's second goal, did not pull any punches with his assessment. He said: "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."
The Egyptian midfielder's outburst comes amid growing tension over officiating decisions in the tournament.
FIFA Issues Bans
Off the pitch, two football officials representing the United States men's national team were suspended following Monday's humiliating 4-1 defeat to Belgium. FIFA publishes suspensions and bans on its website, although it tends to be player bans that regularly make headlines or spark debate.
In the most recent batch of sanctions involving the US and Belgium, team manager Sam Zapatka and US Soccer vice president of security Frank Pannell were both handed suspensions. FIFA later confirmed both individuals had been banned via its website.
Quarter-Final Schedule
The quarter finals are set to begin tomorrow when France takes on Morocco at 9pm at Boston Stadium. France are considered to be the favourites with Kylian Mbappe seeking to leapfrog Lionel Messi in the race for the golden boot.
Here are the quarter-final kick-off times:
- France v Morocco - 9pm on Thursday, July 9
- Spain v Belgium - 8am on Friday, July 10
- Norway v England - 10pm on Saturday, July 11
- Argentina v Switzerland - 2am on Sunday, July 12
Lionel Messi of Argentina currently leads the race for the golden boot.
