VAR controversy in Argentina vs Egypt match sparks fan outrage
Egypt's victory over Argentina in the World Cup Round of 16 was marred by controversy after a goal was disallowed following a VAR review.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Author: Sebas
The World Cup Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Mercedes-Benz Stadium ended in major controversy. Despite the Egyptian team taking an early lead through Yasser Ibrahim, the most discussed moment of the game was a decision to disallow a second goal for the African side.
In the second half, following a quick counter-attack involving Hassan and Mohamed Salah, Zico put the ball into the back of the net. However, referee Francois Letexier, after a lengthy VAR review, ruled out the goal, citing a foul by Attia on Lisandro Martinez at the beginning of the attacking sequence.
The decision sparked an immediate wave of anger on social media. Fans accused the officiating team of bias in favor of Argentina, labeling the disallowed goal as a "robbery" and pointing to perceived preferential treatment of the South American side by VAR officials throughout the tournament.
Despite the controversy, Egypt managed to maintain their advantage and eliminated Argentina from the tournament. Zico eventually scored another goal, sealing a historic victory for Egypt and sending Argentina home in the Round of 16.