By Toby TAIWO
Referee François Letexier, who officiated the Argentina v Egypt Round of 16 clash on Tuesday’, has been blamed for the defeat of the African team.
Egypt attacker Mostafa Zico said the officiating was not fair to them after his side suffered a 3-2 defeat to Argentina.
Egypt were two goals up before the defending champions replied with three goals in three minutes.
“Not fair, not fair. The referee [François Letexier] was the reason for the defeat,” Zico told a television programme after the match.
ALSO READ: Egypt beat Australia on penalties for first-ever knockout win
Egypt’s World Cup campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion at Atlanta Stadium as they squandered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to the defending champions.
The Pharaohs led 2-0 until the 80th minute before Argentina struck three times in the closing stages to complete a dramatic comeback and book their place in the quarter-finals.
“The referee’s decisions were against us. I want to congratulate Argentina as they are going to win the World Cup,” Zico said.
“We apologise to the Egyptian people because we had hoped to make them happy.”
Egypt reached the last 16 after defeating Australia 4-2 following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Argentina advanced to the knockout stage with a 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde.
