Argentina vs Egypt LIVE: Ibrahim's header stuns defending champions

19' PENALTY SAVED! Argentina remain behind after Lionel Messi is denied from the spot. Nicolas Tagliafico wins the penalty after being brought down inside the box, but Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed Shobeir guesses correctly and produces a superb save to keep the Pharaohs' 1-0 lead intact.

14' GOAL! Argentina 0-1 Egypt: Egypt stun the defending champions! Yasser Ibrahim rises highest to meet a superb delivery from the right and powers a header past Emiliano Martinez, giving the Pharaohs a shock early lead in Atlanta.

A cagey opening quarter of an hour in Atlanta, with neither side managing a shot. Both teams remain organised defensively, and the goalkeepers are yet to be tested.

Argentina squander a golden chance as Rodrigo De Paul cuts the ball back for Enzo Fernandez, who fires wide from close range. The Chelsea midfielder is spared any embarrassment, however, as the offside flag had already gone up against De Paul.

Egypt have grown into the contest and are beginning to threaten. Mohamed Salah and Ahmed Attia combine brilliantly with a quick one-two before a dangerous cross flashes across the face of goal, but it evades the arriving red shirts and Argentina manage to clear the danger.

Argentina have made a bright start and are piling the pressure on the Egyptian defence, with a series of dangerous deliveries into the penalty area keeping the Pharaohs on the back foot.

Argentina 0-0 Egypt: Argentina have settled into the contest and are enjoying the lion's share of possession in the opening exchanges. Enzo Fernandez required brief treatment after a heavy challenge but is back on his feet as the defending champions continue to dictate the tempo.

We're underway in Atlanta! Argentina and Egypt are battling for a place in the World Cup quarterfinals.

We're moments away from kick-off, scheduled for 9:30 PM IST.

Argentina have made three changes to the side, with Julian Alvarez returning to the starting lineup in place of Lautaro Martinez. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has also recalled Nicolas Tagliafico at left-back and Leandro Paredes in midfield for the Round of 16 clash in Atlanta.
Egypt, meanwhile, have dropped Omar Marmoush to the bench, handing Haissem Hassan a start, while Mohanad Lashin returns after serving a suspension.

Argentina have lost just two of their last 20 matches against non-European nations in the World Cup:
​​​​​​​0-1 vs. Cameroon (1990)
1-2 vs. Saudi Arabia (2022)

Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah are set for a blockbuster showdown as two of modern football's greatest forwards go head-to-head. Having starred for Barcelona and Liverpool, respectively, both legends will now aim to lead their countries into the World Cup quarterfinals.

Argentina: Emi Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi (C), Julián Álvarez.
Egypt: Mostafa Shobeir; Mohamed Hany, Ramy Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, Karim Hafez; Marwan Attia, Emam Ashour, Mostafa Ziko, Mohanad Lashin; Mohamed Salah (C), Haissem Hassan

Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Stadium), Atlanta, USA
Kick-off time: 12 noon, July 7 (9:30 pm IST)
Referee: Francois Letexier (France)