Egyptian football star Mostafa Ziko has stirred controversy by suggesting that Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt in the World Cup was fixed, amid FIFA’s announcement of new suspensions.
Argentina, the defending champions, were on the brink of elimination trailing by two goals in Atlanta, Georgia. However, they mounted an impressive comeback, scoring three goals to secure a crucial win and stay in contention for the title.
The match was not without its share of contentious decisions. Egypt was aggrieved by a VAR ruling that disallowed a goal due to an alleged foul on Nicolas Tagliafico, and they were further incensed by a non-penalty call just before Argentina’s decisive goal.
Ziko, who netted Egypt’s second goal, bluntly criticized the match’s officiating, stating, “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.”
Additionally, FIFA imposed suspensions on two officials from the US men’s national team following their defeat to Belgium. The disciplinary actions against team manager Sam Zapatka and US Soccer vice president of security Frank Pannell were confirmed on FIFA’s website.
Looking ahead, the quarter-finals are scheduled to kick off with France facing Morocco at Boston Stadium. France, led by Kylian Mbappe, is favored to win, with the young talent aiming to surpass Lionel Messi in the golden boot race.