Argentina came from behind to win 3-2 in a dramatic match against Egypt. The win sent the defending World Cup champions into the quarter-finals.
Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone after the match in Atlanta, United States, yesterday, Argentine captain Lionel Messi expressed regret over his missed penalty.
Messi said: “After missing the penalty, I was extremely angry with myself. The way I took that shot, I felt like I had let the whole team down.”
Argentina faced a stern test from the start of the match in Atlanta on Tuesday night. Egypt took the lead through Yasser Ibrahim’s goal in the 15th minute. But the world champions had a chance to level just four minutes later. Messi, however, could not convert the opportunity — his shot was brilliantly saved by Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
It was Messi’s eighth penalty at the World Cup, of which he has failed to score on four. The Argentine captain also became the first player to miss two penalties in a single World Cup tournament (excluding shootouts).
Argentina trailed 2-0 until the 78th minute of the match. From there, they staged a stunning comeback to win 3-2. Their quarter-final opponent is Switzerland. Argentina will face Switzerland in Kansas City at 7am Bangladesh time on July 12 in their bid to reach the semi-finals.
Messi said: “Coming back after falling 2-0 down is not easy. I’m happy to have reached the next round, and happy about how we did it. After going 2-0 down, the situation got tough, and turning the match around again was a very thrilling journey.”
Praising his teammates, Messi said: “This team has proven once again what I’ve said many times. I know them, I know how they work. This team knows how to fight, knows how to believe. Being alongside them is an honor for me. We’re ready to fight against any team.”
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report