Enzo Fernandez, the Argentina and Chelsea midfielder, scored a stoppage-time winner to secure a 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the FIFA World Cup round of 16, advancing the defending champions to the quarter-finals.
After falling behind 2-0 in the 67th minute, Argentina fought back with goals from Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi before Fernandez’s decisive strike in the third minute of added time. The result keeps Argentina’s hopes of winning consecutive World Cups alive following a narrow victory over debutants Cabo Verde in the previous round.
Fernandez was awarded the Best Young Player Award during Argentina’s 2022 title-winning campaign in Qatar and scored in their 2-0 win against Mexico. Prior to this match, he had not featured in the tournament. Speaking after the game, he said, as quoted by FIFA, “It is the most important goal of my career. It is first, and the second is the Mexico one. I have been longing for this goal for about three years, ever since the World Cup in Qatar. To be able to experience moments like this — honestly, I thank God. I feel privileged.”
Fernandez’s goal came from a powerful header following a cross from Lautaro Martinez, igniting celebrations among the Argentina supporters. He added, “Honestly, my heart was filled with emotion and pride. We know that all Argentines are rooting for us, and that is absolutely crucial for us.”
The goal was also the tournament’s 3000th in its history, which is set to reach a century by the 2030 edition. Fernandez praised his teammates, stating, “I want to praise my teammates: we have a phenomenal group– a group that never gives up and has tremendous quality, no matter the difficulties or adversity. We’re always united.”
The match began with Egypt taking the lead in the 15th minute through Yasser Ibrahim’s header from a Marwan Attia corner. Argentina immediately had a chance to equalise when Nicolas Tagliafico won a penalty, but Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir saved Lionel Messi’s spot-kick.
Shobeir also denied attempts by Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez, while Messi hit the crossbar with a free-kick as Egypt maintained a 1-0 lead at half-time.
Early in the second half, Egypt’s Mostafa Ziko thought he had doubled their advantage, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review. Moments later, Ziko scored following a counterattack involving Mohamed Salah and Haissem Hassan, making it 2-0 in the 67th minute.
Argentina responded by strengthening their attack. Cristian Romero scored from a Messi free-kick in the 79th minute, and four minutes later, Messi himself equalised with a powerful strike from the edge of the box that clipped the goalkeeper’s gloves and the crossbar.
With extra time looming, Argentina completed their comeback in stoppage time when a loose ball fell to Fernandez on the edge of the penalty area, allowing him to calmly slot the ball into the bottom corner.
This victory advances Argentina to the quarter-finals where they will face the winner of the Round of 16 match between Switzerland and Colombia on July 8.