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.
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.
The two nations last faced each other in a friendly in Cairo in 2008, where Argentina secured a 2-0 victory. 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 favorites, with a 69.1 percent chance of winning within 90 minutes, according to the Opta supercomputer. Egypt have a 12.3 percent chance of an upset, while 18.5 percent of simulations ended in a draw.
Colombia and Switzerland last met in March 2007, with Colombia winning 3-1. Opta slightly favors Colombia with 41.9 percent win probability, Switzerland has 28.2 percent, and a draw 29.9 percent.
Cristiano Ronaldo made his final World Cup appearance for Portugal, ending a historic tournament career spanning six editions. After Portugal’s defeat, Ronaldo said: “I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this. I gave everything I had, I did my best, and I leave with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes.”
The United States’ World Cup exit was marked by disappointment. Belgium produced a ruthless 4-1 victory, with Christian Pulisic suffering an ankle injury and Matt Freese making a costly mistake. Coach Mauricio Pochettino also showed his emotions.
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan used his pre-match press conference to deliver an emotional message about the Palestinian situation, saying: “If there is anyone in the world who does not feel for the Palestinian people, then they are not human.”
France captain Kylian Mbappe criticized Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla for racist remarks following Paraguay’s defeat to France. Amarilla called Mbappe a “colonized Cameroonian.” Mbappe responded, calling her a “despicable woman unworthy of her position.”
Source: www.aljazeera.com