Egypt Goal vs. Argentina Controversially Disallowed After VAR Check

Egypt nearly put Argentina on the ropes in the 58th minute of Tuesday's round-of-16 match, until VAR had stepped in. Midfielder Mostafa Zico's breakaway goal that would've put Egypt up 2-0 was disallowed after a VAR check determined that midfielder Marawan Attia fouled Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez prior to the goal. However, the foul occurred while Argentina was on the attack, leading to some controversy over whether VAR overstepped its reach. "Surely, this is not within VAR's [realm] to review this," FOX Sports analyst Rob Green said on the broadcast. "It's a full length of the pitch away." FOX Sports soccer officiating expert Dr. Joe Machnik, meanwhile, thought that the fact that it was a foul meant that the goal should've been disallowed. "A foul in the attacking phase of play, which leads to a goal or possession by the team that [scores] a goal can result in the goal being disallowed and being given a free kick," Machnik explained. Still, Green thought that Argentina got away with one as he disagreed with the decision. "What a let off for Argentina. The full length of the pitch," Green continued. "That, 100 yards away, someone stepping on someone's toe is not why VAR was brought into the game. We've got to a point now where we've reached far beyond the powers that it should have. The referee saw the tackle, decided not to give it and Egypt, with a brilliant breakaway goal, have been denied a two-goal cushion." Argentina wasn't able to do anything with the ensuing free kick, and Egypt was able to take a 2-0 lead when Ziko scored again in the 67th minute. However, Argentina scored in the 79th minute to cut Egypt's lead to 2-1, and Lionel Messi scored the equalizer in the 83rd minute. So, the disallowed goal looms large.

The atmosphere is building at the Atlanta Stadium, where temperatures are already in the 30s, though the venue is fully air-conditioned. Thousands of Argentina fans are present hoping to see the reigning champions secure a quarterfinal spot, though ticket shortages remain an issue, with one supporter cycling all the way from Buenos Aires.

A contingent of Egyptian supporters, many sporting Mohamed Salah shirts, is also in attendance, aiming to inspire a famous victory. beltedkingfisher.blog

El experto arbitral de RadioMARCA anuló la segunda acción polémica del Argentina-Egipto. Después de que la selección albiceleste desaprovechara en el primer tiempo la pena máxima que señaló el árbitro tres minutos después de que Egipto hiciera el 0-1, los africanos habían ampliado su ventaja en la segunda parte tras una brillante acción individual de Hassan. Finalmente el colegiado anuló la jugada y decretó una falta previa sobre Lisandro Martínez.

• Suspension had been imposed after invasion of Ukraine

• Decision on Russian anthem and flag still unclear

The International Olympic Committee has lifted its suspension on Russia, paving the way for Russian teams to return to the Olympic fold before the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

Russia has been banned from competing at the Olympics under its own flag since 2016 because of state-sponsored doping offences and then the invasion of Ukraine.