Mostafa Ziko, who almost led Egypt to perhaps the most incredible shock in World Cup history against Argentina, has hit out at referees following their dramatic exit.
Ziko, named after Brazil legend Zico, plays for Pyramids FC in New Cairo but hit global headlines when he put Egypt 2-0 up against the world champions in Atlanta.
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However, Argentina staged a remarkable comeback to win 3-2 in normal time, and the game was certainly not without controversy.
Before Ziko scored their second, Egypt saw a goal ruled out when 1-0 up. There were also calls for penalties which went ignored.
Indeed, it would be fair to say that Ziko was unhappy.
Ziko claims Argentina are being handed the World Cup
Speaking to reporters after the game, Ziko suggested that the officiating favoured world champions Argentina.
He said: “The referee is unfair, God is sufficient for me and the best disposer of affairs. He’s wasting the effort of an entire nation”. The cup is being given to Argentina. They win the World Cup.”
The North African side did double their lead through Ziko a few minutes later but they could not stop a late onslaught from the world champions.
Egypt were on course for one of the most remarkable results in the history of the World Cup but, alas, they exit at the last 16 stage following another brilliant game at this year’s tournament.
Why was Ziko’s goal against Argentina ruled out?
The underdogs launched a counter-attack with searing pace as Haissem Hassan dribbled up the pitch.
Hassan then passed the ball to Mohamed Salah, who played in Ziko. The forward lifted the ball over Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez and duly celebrated in wild fashion.
However, a VAR review ruled the goal out. Egypt’s Marwan Attia was adjudged to have fouled Lisandro Martinez at the opposite end of the pitch.
It certainly proved a divisive call and while Argentina do deserve a huge amount of credit for coming back into the game, it’s equally fair to suggest they got lucky with that decision.
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