Álvarez starts as Argentina beats Egypt 3-2 to reach quarterfinals

Julián Álvarez was back in Argentina’s starting lineup in Atlanta, and Lionel Scaloni’s decision helped fuel a 3-2 comeback over Egypt that sent the defending champions into the quarterfinals. The Atletico Madrid forward replaced Lautaro Martínez up front, with Scaloni seeking more attacking support alongside Lionel Messi.

Argentina still had to claw its way out of trouble after Egypt struck first and then moved 2-0 ahead, a swing that underlined how little room the biggest teams have been given in this World Cup. Álvarez had pointed to that pressure before kickoff, noting that Egypt had merit for finding the net first and praising Argentina’s control of the game and their confidence in front of goal. The match turned into proof of both points, as Argentina recovered from a deficit that would have ended its title defense.

The result stretched Lionel Messi’s World Cup run and preserved the path of the reigning champion, which had entered the knockout round after a perfect group stage. Argentina had reached the last 16 with three wins, including a 3-1 victory over Jordan in Arlington, but even that clean record had not masked periods of strain in games that appeared under control. Against Egypt, the strain became impossible to ignore before the comeback took hold.

Argentina’s response came with the urgency expected from a side carrying Messi and the pressure of defending a crown. The 3-2 finish sent Egypt out and pushed Argentina into the last eight, where every possession now carries the same narrow margin that defined the round of 16. The win also reinforced the tournament-wide reality Álvarez had highlighted, that even favored sides are being forced into tight, uncomfortable matches rather than cruising through them.