Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has strongly criticised the officiating in his team’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Argentina, insisting the Pharaohs were denied a place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals by controversial decisions.

Egypt appeared to be in complete control after racing into a two-goal lead against the defending champions.

Mostafa Zico put his side ahead before adding another goal later in the match, giving the North Africans hope of reaching the last eight for the first time in their history.

However, Argentina mounted a remarkable comeback. Cristian Romero pulled one back before Lionel Messi levelled the contest after earlier missing a first-half penalty.

Enzo Fernández eventually completed the turnaround with the winning goal, sending Argentina through to the quarter-finals.

Following the final whistle, Hassan expressed frustration over several decisions made during the match. The Egyptian coach questioned the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), arguing that his side had been unfairly treated during key moments of the encounter.

One of Egypt’s biggest complaints centred on a goal that was ruled out after a VAR review for an earlier foul in the build-up.

Hassan also claimed his players should have been awarded a penalty late in the game after what he believed was a clear foul inside the box before Argentina scored the decisive goal.

The veteran coach described the outcome as deeply disappointing, stating that his team had not received the fairness they deserved.

He added that the controversial decisions overshadowed Egypt’s impressive performance against one of the tournament favourites.

Despite their elimination, Egypt earned praise for pushing Argentina to the limit and producing one of the most entertaining knockout matches of the tournament.

While Argentina march on in pursuit of another World Cup title, Egypt leave the competition believing their dream was ended by contentious officiating rather than their performance on the pitch.