Zico’s great goal in Argentina x Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup; VAR analyzes possible foul

The clash between Argentina and Egypt in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains intense at the Atlanta stadium, with the Egyptian team leading the score 2-0. The match, which is in the second half and reaches the 16th minute, saw a crucial play involving striker Zico, whose goal is under analysis by the video referee for a possible foul.

Egyptian goals mark the start of the second half with an advantage on the scoreboard

The Egyptian team managed to find the net twice in the second half, surprising the Argentine defense. The first Egyptian goal came after an elaborate play: Salah took a short corner to Ashour, who returned the ball to Attia. The midfielder then crossed into the area, allowing Yasser Ibrahim to head it into goalkeeper Martínez’s left corner, opening the scoring for Egypt.

A few minutes later, Egypt doubled their lead. The play began with the recovery of the ball in defense by Hassan, who beat two markers, including applying a pen to Tagliafico. He served Salah, who released Zico from the left. The striker finished with precision past the goalkeeper, scoring the second Egyptian goal of the match. This move, however, is what is under review by the VAR to determine the existence of a possible foul before the play is completed. The VAR’s decision in moments like this in the round of 16 of the World Cup is decisive, and can change the course of the confrontation and the mood of the teams, which increases the tension of the duel.

Goalkeeper Shobeir stands out and receives praise for his performance against Messi

Egyptian goalkeeper Shobeir emerged as one of the game’s main characters, making important saves that ensured his team’s advantage. His performance in the first half was widely praised, especially after saving a penalty taken by Lionel Messi. Shobeir’s ability in moments of pressure has been a crucial factor in keeping Argentina scoreless so far, consolidating himself as an insurmountable barrier for the opponent’s attack and generating great repercussions among the fans.

Minute by minute: main moments of the match so far

Follow the main moments and plays of this electrifying match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

• Minute 12 (2T):The Egyptian team opened the scoring with a well-aimed header from Yasser Ibrahim. The defender took advantage of Attia’s cross, after Salah’s short corner for Ashour, to finish in the left corner of goalkeeper Martínez.
• Minute 11 (2T):Egypt extends its lead to 2-0. Zico receives a pass from Salah, after a beautiful individual play by Hassan who dribbled past two markers, and finishes past the goalkeeper, consolidating the lead on the scoreboard.
• Minute 10 (2T):Lionel Messi tries to orchestrate the Argentine attack, taking a short shot with De Paul, but the number 7 finds no space to finish against the strong Egyptian pressing, which has set up a real barrier in front of the area.
• Minute 07 (2T):After Messi’s cross was cleared by Shobeir, Paredes took a powerful shot from outside the area, but the ball went too high and went over the Egyptian goal, posing no danger to the goalkeeper.
• Minute 05 (2Q):Egypt returns for the second half with a solid defensive strategy and betting on quick counterattacks, while Argentina maintains possession of the ball, incessantly looking for gaps in the opponent’s defense.
• Minute 01 (2T):Argentina starts the second half with pressure. Messi rolls the ball to De Paul at the edge of the area, who finishes low, but goalkeeper Shobeir fits the ball without difficulty, showing confidence.
• Start of the second half:The complementary stage begins with a substitution in the Egypt team, with Ashour replacing Fathy, seeking to strengthen the midfield and defense to maintain the advantage.

Confirmed lineups and tactical schemes for the decisive clash

The teams entered the field with their formations defined for this important duel in the round of 16:

• Argentina (Coach: Lionel Scaloni – 4-4-2)
• Goalkeeper:Dibu Martínez (23)
• Defenders:Molina (26), Cuti Romero (13), Lisandro Martínez (6), Tagliafico (3)
• Midfielders:Paredes (5), Enzo Fernández (24), Mac Allister (20), De Paul (7)
• Attackers:Messi (10), Julián Álvarez (9)

• Egypt (Coach: Hossam Hassan – 4-4-2)
• Goalkeeper:Shobeir (23)
• Defenders:Hany (3), Yasser Ibrahim (2), Rabia (5), Hafez (15)
• Midfielders:Attia (19), Lashin (17), Ashour (8), Zico (11)
• Attackers:Salah (10), Hassan (12)

The reserves for both teams are ready to take the field, with options such as Musso, Rulli, Otamendi and Lautaro Martínez for Argentina, and El Shenawy, Soliman, Dunga and Trézéguet for Egypt, awaiting the opportunity to influence the result.

Arbitration and general information about the World Cup Round of 16

The game is being conducted by an international refereeing team:

• Arbitrator:François Letexier
• Assistants:Cyril Mugnier and Mehdi Rahmouni
• Fourth Referee:Espen Eskas

The match takes place at the Atlanta Stadium, in the United States, and is part of the round of 16 stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This stage of the competition is eliminatory, and the results of other games have already defined some qualified teams, such as France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway and England.

Partial match statistics: Argentina seeks reaction in the second half

So far, partial match statistics reflect the performance of the teams on the field. Argentina demonstrates greater possession of the ball and volume of play, while Egypt appears to be more efficient in finishing and defending its goal.

• Ball possession:Argentina with 60% and Egypt with 40%.
• Total passes:Argentina completed 408 passes (90% correct), compared to Egypt’s 239 (83% correct).
• Attack:Argentina recorded 9 shots, 4 on goal, 3 out and 1 blocked. Egypt, in turn, had 2 shots, with 1 on goal and 1 out.
• Defense:Egyptian goalkeeper Shobeir made 2 crucial saves while Argentina had no saves recorded. Argentina made 12 tackles against Egypt’s 8.
• Discipline:Argentina committed 11 fouls, with no cards. Egypt committed 6 fouls and received 1 yellow card.

Argentina seeks to intensify its attack to reverse the score in the remainder of the second half, facing a well-positioned Egyptian defense inspired by the performance of its goalkeeper. The game remains open and with great expectations for the next few minutes.