Argentina stage stunning late comeback to see off Egypt

ATLANTA: Holders Argentina survived a massive scare and staged an amazing comeback with three late goals to earn a 3-2 win over Egypt on Tuesday that sent them through to the World Cup quarter-finals.

Enzo Fernandez headed the winning goal three minutes into stoppage time from a Lautaro Martinez cross  to stun Egypt who thought they had at least taken the champions to extra time.

Cristian Romero pulled one back for Argentina with 11 minutes remaining from a free header and Lionel Messi levelled the tie four minutes later with a blistering strike from inside the area.

Egypt went in front in the 15th minute, Yasser Ibrahim getting ahead of his marker Lisandro Martinez to power a header into the far corner.

Messi’s penalty was saved by keeper Mostafa Shobeir, the Argentina captain’s second miss from the spot in the tournament.

Mostafa Zico had a goal ruled out but went on to double Egypt’s lead with 23 minutes left.

Argentina will meet Switzerland or Colombia in Saturday’s quarter-final in Kansas.