FIFA World Cup: Argentina vs Egypt, Ronaldo exit and Mbappe condemns racism
Defending champions Argentina continue their knockout journey against Egypt as Switzerland and Colombia also fight for progression. The World Cup has reached its decisive stage
Defending champions Argentina continue their knockout journey against Egypt as Switzerland and Colombia also fight for progression. The World Cup has reached its decisive stage, with every match carrying the weight of history. Argentina continue their mission to defend their world title against Egypt in Atlanta as Switzerland and Colombia also fight for progression to the quarterfinals, while the tournament continues to deliver key moments from Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance to emotional last-16 exits, political statements and a stand against racism from Kylian Mbappe. Here is what we know What is Tuesday’s schedule? Argentina vs Egypt: Tuesday, Atlanta Stadium, noon local (16:00 GMT) Tuesday, Atlanta Stadium, noon local (16:00 GMT) Switzerland vs Colombia: Tuesday, BC Place, Vancouver, 1 pm local (20:00 GMT) What are the predictions for Argentina vs Egypt? The two nations last faced each other in a friendly in Cairo in 2008, where Argentina secured a 2-0 victory with goals from Sergio Aguero and Nicolas Burdisso. Star Argentina forward Lionel Messi missed that match through injury. Argentina have dominated their meetings with African opponents at the World Cup. Argentina enter the match as clear favourites, with the team given a 69.1 percent chance of winning within 90 minutes, according to the Opta supercomputer, based on 25,000 pre-match simulations. Egypt, however, cannot be ruled out, with the data suggesting they have a 12.3 percent chance of producing an upset, while 18.5 percent of simulations ended in a draw, which would send the game into extra time. What are the predictions for Switzerland vs Colombia? Three of their previous four encounters came in international friendlies, with the most recent in March 2007. Colombia claimed a 3-1 victory in that match, with Edixon Perea, Jhon Viafara and Andres Chitiva finding the net for Los Cafeteros.
The Opta supercomputer slightly favours Colombia ahead of this encounter, with the South Americans winning 41.9 percent of 25,000 pre-match simulations over 90 minutes. Switzerland have a 28.2 percent chance of victory in normal time, while 29.9 percent of simulations ended in a draw. What else is happening? Ronaldo’s emotional World Cup exit The football icon made his final World Cup appearance for his country, bringing the curtain down on a historic tournament career that spanned six editions and cemented his place among the game’s all-time greats. Following Portugal’s defeat, Ronaldo confirmed that this would be his last World Cup, admitting he was disappointed with the way his journey on football’s biggest stage had ended. “I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this,” Ronaldo said. “I gave everything I had, I did my best, and I leave with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but now I’ll have time to reflect and spend time with my family. I won’t make any decisions in the heat of the moment.” The 41-year-old forward avoided confirming whether he had also played his final match for Portugal, explaining that he did not want his personal future to distract from the team’s efforts. USA’s World Cup dream ends in heartbreak The images captured the disappointment of the United States’ World Cup exit. Christian Pulisic was left on the ground in pain after suffering an ankle injury. Matt Freese stood with his hands on his head after a costly mistake, while Chris Richards collapsed onto the pitch in frustration. Even head coach Mauricio Pochettino showed his emotions, kicking a rack near the bench as bottles scattered. The USA’s hopes of a deep home World Cup run ended on Monday after Belgium produced a ruthless display, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice and setting up another goal in a 4-1 victory that sent the Red Devils into the last eight of the tournament.
The BriefWire