Argentina's Late Surge Saves Them; Switzerland Advances After Penalty Drama

Argentina faced a tough challenge after falling behind twice to Egypt in Atlanta but managed to pull off an impressive turnaround to secure their spot in the quarter-finals. The game looked bleak early on when Yasser Ibrahim headed in a goal from a corner at the 15-minute mark, catching Argentina off guard.

Lionel Messi had a chance to equalize soon after when Nico Tagliafico was fouled inside the penalty area, but Egypt’s goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir read the penalty perfectly and made the save. Egypt seemed to be extending their lead through Mostafa Ziko’s goal on a swift counter-attack, but the effort was overturned by VAR for a foul at the start of the play.

Ziko found the net again without controversy later on, giving Egypt a strong advantage. Yet Argentina, who had struggled to create chances earlier, intensified their efforts in the last 20 minutes. Cristian Romero got them back into the game with a header off a cross from Messi in the 79th minute.

Moments later, Messi himself scored a powerful shot after a loose ball, leveling the score. Just as extra time appeared likely, Lautaro Martinez delivered a precise cross that Enzo Fernandez headed into the net, sending Argentina through to the next round amid emotional celebrations. Messi was seen shedding tears after the final whistle. Despite being on what many expected to be an easier side of the draw, Argentina's matches against Cape Verde and Egypt proved far more challenging and thrilling than anticipated.

Switzerland Advances Over Colombia in Tense Penalty Shootout

The encounter between Switzerland and Colombia in Vancouver lacked the drama of Argentina's match but still ended in a tense penalty shootout. Both teams appeared cautious throughout the game, seemingly resigned to settling the contest from the spot early on.

Colombia created more chances during regular and extra time, especially dominating in shots during the added period, but they failed to convert any decisive goals. In the shootout, former Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez hit the crossbar with his attempt, giving Switzerland an opening. Swiss defender Manuel Akanji then missed by blasting over the bar, keeping things level.

Colombia faltered further when Juan Hernandez's penalty was saved by Swiss keeper Gregor Kobel. Goals from Cedric Itten and Luis Diaz followed before Ruben Vargas sealed the win for Murat Yakin's squad, sending Switzerland through to the quarter-finals.