The quarter-final schedule is now set at the FIFA World Cup 26™, as the last two Round of 16 matches finished in exciting fashion today.
Argentina snuck past Egypt, coming from two goals down to win 3-2, whilst Switzerland held their nerve from the spot to eliminate Colombia after a penalty shootout
Round of 16
Argentina 3 Egypt 2
Defending champions Argentina broke Egyptian hearts in Atlanta, coming from 2-0 down to win 3-2, keeping their dreams of back-to-back titles alive.
Egypt were outstanding for much of the 90 minutes and took a deserved lead through Yasser Ibrahim with just 15 minutes on the clock. Argentina should have levelled shortly after but Lionel Messi missed yet another penalty kick, seeing his effort saved by goalkeeper Mostafa Ahmed Shobeir.
Hossam Hassan’s side thought they had doubled their lead within 15 minutes of the second period but Mostafa Ziko’s effort was ruled out for a foul in the build up.
They wouldn’t have to wait long however, as Ziko would get his name on the scoresheet in the 67th minute, making it 2-0 and putting Argentina on the brink.
The champions dug deep however and were given a lifeline when Cristian Romero pulled one back with just over ten minutes remaining. Messi would then draw his side level with a smart finish from close range.
Egypt found themselves on the ropes and in the second minute of stoppage time, suffered a fatal blow – Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez heading in from a Lautaro Martinez cross to clinch a famous victory and book Argentina’s place in the quarter-finals.
Switzerland 0 Colombia 0 (Penalties: 4-3)
Switzerland’s World Cup adventure rolls on, having knocked out Colombia in a penalty shootout in Vancouver.
120 minutes of action was unable to separate the two sides, with the Swiss proving their mettle from 12 yards to book a quarter-final match-up with defending champions Argentina in Kansas this weekend.
Colombia will be bitterly disappointed to be heading home, having enjoyed the majority of the chances in what was a tight affair between two well-drilled sides.
They almost snatched it with minutes of extra-time remaining. Granit Xhaka lazily conceded possession on the edge of his own area, giving Jaminton Campaz a golden chance to win the match, only to blaze his effort over the bar under little pressure.
Both sides scored their opening spot-kicks before Davinson Sanchez saw his effort thud back off the underside of the crossbar.
Shortly after, Colombia were given a reprieve, when Manuel Akanji skied his penalty over the bar, only for Juan Hernandez to be denied by an excellent save from Gregor Kobel.
With the scores level at 3-3, Rubén Vargas had the chance to put his side into the last eight and he made no mistake, comfortably tucking the ball into the corner, sparking jubilant celebrations from the Swiss.
RESULTS
Argentina 3 (Cristian ROMERO 79′, Lionel MESSI 83′, Enzo FERNANDEZ 90+2′) Egypt 2 (Yasser IBRAHIM 15′, Mostafa ZIKO 67′)
Switzerland 0 Colombia 0
Switzerland win 4-3 on penalties
WHAT’S NEXT
Quarter-finals
France v Morocco | 8am NZT (Boston)
Photo Credit: FIFA via Getty Images