At the Round of 16 stage of the United States, Canada and Mexico FIFA World Cup, Argentina staged a dramatic comeback from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2 and advance to the quarter-finals. Multiple refereeing decisions during the match sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits.
This article reviews each contentious call, drawing on technical analysis published by leading VAR review institute Archivo VAR.
Call 1 – 19th Minute: Hassan fouls Nicolás Tagliafico, referee awards penalty
Archivo VAR Verdict: Correct ruling ✅.
The Argentine left-back reached the ball first before being clearly tripped by the Egyptian winger.
Call 2 – 58th Minute: Egypt scores, referee disallows the goal after VAR review for Atiya’s foul on Lisandro Martínez
Archivo VAR Verdict: Correct ruling ✅.
Atiya stepped on Lisandro Martínez’s planted supporting foot, impeding his movement. The foul occurred within the same attacking sequence after Egypt recovered possession, making it a reviewable incident.
Rationale for VAR Intervention
This minor stamp carried game-altering consequences. While the contact was not overly forceful, it completely halted Martínez’s forward momentum, leaving him unable to continue his run.
Call 3 – 90+2nd Minute, prior to Argentina’s third goal: Alexis Mac Allister pulls his opponent, who falls to the ground; referee waves play on
Archivo VAR Verdict: Correct ruling ✅.
Though a light tug on the jersey took place, the contact was insufficient to disrupt the opposing player’s balance or movement, and the opponent chose to collapse to the ground voluntarily after feeling the pull. Additionally, the ball was outside the active playing zone between the two players.
Call 4 – 90+2nd Minute, prior to Argentina’s third goal: Mohamed Salah cuts inside and is dispossessed by Julián Álvarez; referee allows play to continue
Archivo VAR Verdict: Correct ruling ✅.
The Argentine striker cleanly won possession of the ball first, and minimal subsequent physical contact does not constitute a punishable offence. No reviewable prior infraction occurred in the build-up to Argentina’s match-winning third goal.
