Ian Wright has claimed that Argentina's winning goal against Egypt should have been disallowed for a foul on Mohamed Salah. The reigning world champions staged a stunning comeback in Atlanta on Tuesday, overturning a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2. However, the winning strike by Enzo Fernandez sparked controversy, with Egypt forward Salah adamant he should have been awarded a penalty in the build-up. VAR chose not to intervene.
Wright's Punditry Analysis
Wright, on punditry duty for ITV Sport, argued that the goal should have been struck off due to a foul on Salah, who was furious in the aftermath. “If we’re going to start, is that what VAR is for? That’s a long way to go back and it’s a long way to go back for Argentina to compose themselves,” Wright added, referring to another controversial incident where Ziko had a goal ruled out for a foul on Nicolas Tagliafico.
Other Controversial Decisions
The match featured several contentious moments. Argentina were awarded a first-half penalty for a foul on Tagliafico, which Lionel Messi missed. Egypt also had a goal disallowed by VAR for a foul on the same player earlier in the move. When asked if an Argentina goal would be struck off in similar circumstances, Gary Neville replied: “Unlikely.” Roy Keane added: “You go back through football, the bigger teams do seem to get the benefit of these decisions but it shouldn’t take away from what Argentina have also achieved. You’re 2-0 down with 10 or 11 minutes to go. The credit has to go to Argentina.”
Match Summary
Argentina initially fell behind to goals from Mostafa Shobeir and Ziko. Cristian Romero pulled one back with a header, before Messi and Fernandez scored late to complete the turnaround. The result keeps Argentina in the World Cup, advancing to the quarter-finals where they will face either Colombia or Switzerland. A potential semi-final against England or Norway awaits if they progress.
