Daijiworld Media Network - Atlanta

Atlanta, Jul 8: Egypt have accused match officials of denying them a place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after a series of contentious decisions during their dramatic 3-2 defeat to defending champions Argentina in the Round of 16.

Egypt raced to a surprise 2-0 lead before Argentina mounted a remarkable comeback to seal victory and progress to the last eight, but the match was overshadowed by several controversial refereeing calls that sparked heated debate among fans and pundits.

Egypt had an early goal by Mostafa Zico ruled out following a VAR review after officials deemed Lisandro Martinez had been fouled earlier in the attacking move. Zico later found the net again to double Egypt's advantage before Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi drew Argentina level.

The biggest flashpoint came in the build-up to Argentina's winning goal, scored by Enzo Fernandez. Egyptian players appealed for a penalty, alleging Alexis Mac Allister had pulled Hamdy Fathy inside the box moments before Argentina launched the decisive attack. The appeals were waved away.

Following the final whistle, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan strongly criticised the officiating, claiming his side had been denied a historic place in the quarter-finals.

"I do not want to put it nicely and talk about hard luck. We have been cheated unfairly today. We have suffered injustice," Hassan told reporters after the match.

The Egypt coach was also seen making an "X" gesture towards the referee, a signal recognised by FIFA for reporting alleged racial abuse during matches, though the context of the gesture was not immediately clarified.

The officiating decisions also drew mixed reactions on social media, with several football fans and public figures questioning the refereeing and VAR interventions, while others defended the decisions.

Despite the controversy, Argentina completed a spirited comeback to book their place in the quarter-finals, while Egypt's impressive World Cup campaign came to an end.