Egypt exit U-20 World Cup after failing to end Argentina jinx

In a match that witnessed three penalties, Egypt fought hard but slumped to a 2-1 defeat by Argentina to exit the U-20 World Cup at the last-16 stage

A brave Egypt side exited the U-20 World Cup at the last-16 stage for the second consecutive tournament after suffering a 2-1 defeat by Argentina in Colombia on Tuesday.
Argentina controversially went ahead three minutes before the break when AS Roma's newly-signed midfielder Eric Lamela converted a penalty after Mohamed Salah allegedly felled Carlos Luque. Television replays showed that there was no contact between both players.
The six-time U-20 World Cup champions doubled their lead in the 63rd minute via another penalty, but this time it was a legitimate one after Omar Gaber committed a last-man foul on Luque.
Salah pulled one back when he dispatched a third penalty, the first for Egypt, seven minutes later but Argentina withstood a late pressure to hold onto their advantage and eliminate Egypt for the second time in a decade, having beaten them 2-1 at the same stage in 2003.
Argentina also claimed group-stage victories over the young Pharaohs in 2001 and 2005. Egypt also went out at the last-16 stage two years ago on home soil following a loss to Costa Rica.
Controversial penalty
Egypt had the better of the early exchanges in a largely cautious first-half as chances were few and far between. They had two tame shots easily collected by Argentina keeper Esteban Andrada.
Argentina's first genuine opportunity came after 26 minutes when forward Facunda Ferreyra, who kept Egypt's defenders on their toes with an energetic display, rose unmarked to meet a Lamela corner with a powerful header that struck the post.
Egypt replied eight minutes later when midfielder Mohamed El-Nenni was picked out by a pass from Salah but his low shot from the edge of the area was saved by Andrada.
Argentina broke the deadlock on 42 minutes in controversial fashion after Luque dived to win a penalty. Egypt guardian Ahmed El-Shennawy got a hand to Lamela's ensuing spot-kick but could not stop the ball going in.
Egypt pushed forward in a bid to grab the equalizer after the break and came close to scoring on 62 minutes when a superb chipped pass from diminutive attacking midfielder Mohamed Ibrahim found lone striker Mohamed Hamdy, who broke the offside trap but his right-foot shot was blocked by a defender.
The team's overly attacking approach left them vulnerable at the back as Argentina pounced on defensive gaps to earn a second penalty just one minute later.
Luque broke clear of defense after a neatly-worked counter attack before being tripped by Gaber as the referee instantly pointed to the spot. Lamela sent El-Shennawy the wrong way to extend Argentina's advantage.
However, Egypt were given a lifeline in the 70th minute when they were awarded a penalty after substitute Saleh Gomaa was pushed in the area. Salah converted it with aplomb to narrow the gap.
Egypt fought hard in the latter stages to notch a precious equalizer but were kept at bay by a resolute defense from Argentina, who also wasted the chance to put the result beyond doubt after squandering two clear-cut opportunities.